Ali Maher Closing In on Egypt Job as Hossam Hassan’s Successor

Ceramica Cleopatra coach Ali Maher is close to taking charge of Egypt in place of Hossam Hassan, according to media presenter Ibrahim Fayek, who said the Egyptian Football Association had settled on appointing him and had begun work on forming a new coaching staff.

Fayek explained that association officials are waiting for the Ceramica Cleopatra–Abu Qir match in the Egypt Cup to end before meeting Ali Maher and agreeing on the details of his appointment and his assistants. Mohamed Abdel Karim is expected to work alongside him, while the association wants Mohamed Abdel Wahed to remain on the staff.

Fayek had said that the decision not to continue with Hossam Hassan had been made, and that his departure would be announced this evening. This follows crises surrounding the coaching staff, including a statement from the association calling for calm, a decision by the Supreme Council for Media Regulation barring Hossam Hassan from appearing in the media, and pressure after a disagreement with national team captain Mohamed Salah during the international break last October.

Ali Maher and Hossam El Badry had been among the names considered to replace Hossam Hassan, before attention turned to the Ceramica Cleopatra coach, with negotiations and the anticipated meeting still to come.