Egypt have parted ways with head coach Hossam Hassan and named Ali Maher in his place, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said on Saturday, Sportstar reported, citing Reuters and AP.
The federation dismissed Hassan and his technical staff after reviewing "the circumstances and events of the past period" and what its board described as their negative effect on the national team's image and stability, Egyptian Streets reported. The EFA thanked Hassan for his efforts and wished him success, but did not spell out what those events were.
Egypt's media regulator had barred Hassan from appearing in all media outlets the previous week, which Sportstar described as an unprecedented step against a national coach.
A World Cup run, then trouble
Hassan, 60, renewed his contract until 2030 after leading Egypt to the round of 16 at this year's World Cup. Egypt beat New Zealand for their first-ever World Cup win, then knocked out Australia on penalties in the round of 32, before losing 3-2 to Argentina in the last 16 after leading 2-0.
The mood soured in September. In a goalless home draw with Angola in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Hassan took off Mohamed Salah in the 60th minute. Salah then left the national team camp; the EFA said he avoids playing on artificial pitches and would miss the following match against South Sudan, Sportstar reported. EFA president Hany Abo Rida later flew to Turkey to meet the forward.
Hassan leaves after 38 matches in charge: 21 wins, 10 draws and seven defeats. He also served a three-match FIFA ban for criticising the referee after the Argentina defeat.
What next
Maher, 52, arrives from Ceramica Cleopatra, where his spell had been successful, according to Sportstar. The EFA asked him to present his plans for a new technical staff, Egyptian Streets reported.
His first assignment is two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi this month.