Egypt have dismissed national team coach Hossam Hassan and appointed Ali Maher as his replacement, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said on Saturday, 7 November.

Hassan, 60, had only renewed his contract until 2030 two months earlier, after leading Egypt to the round of 16 at this year's World Cup. The EFA said the decision followed a review of recent events and their negative effect on the national team's image and stability. It thanked Hassan for his efforts and wished him success in the next stage of his career.

Maher, 52, leaves Egyptian Premier League side Ceramica Cleopatra to take charge of the seven-time African champions. He takes over at a demanding moment, with Egypt facing Malawi in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on 13 and 17 November.

Hassan's departure follows a difficult period off the pitch. Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation barred him from appearing on media platforms last week over a case linked to his former wife, and FIFA handed him a three-match ban after he criticised the referee following Egypt's World Cup defeat by Argentina.

Hassan, a legendary former Egypt striker, had coached the national team since 2024 and became the first former Egypt player to coach the side at a World Cup. He left the job after 38 matches in charge, winning 21, drawing 10 and losing seven.

The change comes just six days before the Malawi fixtures, which are the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt lead their qualifying group, and Maher will be expected to keep that campaign on track while steadying a squad that has spent recent weeks surrounded by controversy rather than football.