Ibrahim Fayek reveals circumstances surrounding Bassem Ali’s departure from Egypt’s coaching staff
Ibrahim Fayek says Bassem Ali left Ali Maher’s new Egypt coaching staff after the Football Association announced his appointment as assistant coach. Ali had joined the national team’s camp and begun preparing for the Malawi match in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers before being barred from training.
Broadcaster Ibrahim Fayek revealed that Bassem Ali had left the new Egypt coaching staff led by Ali Maher, despite the Football Association announcing his appointment as assistant coach the previous day. According to Fayek, Bassem had joined the national team’s camp and begun preparing for the Malawi match in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers before being barred from taking part in training by a decision of the Football Association.
Fayek added that Ali Maher had informed Bassem Ali of the decision to bar him from training. He criticised the way Bassem had been treated, saying the matter of his coaching licence should have been settled before his appointment was announced and he joined the camp.
Bassem Ali had posted a message saying he would not continue with the staff and wishing Ali Maher and his team success. He said he had hoped to stay with them and represent the national team. Ali Maher took charge of the coaching staff, succeeding Hossam Hassan.