Egypt captain Mohamed Salah reportedly told the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) that he would only continue playing for the national team if head coach Hossam Hassan left his position.
According to Turkish publication Fotospor, the Trabzonspor forward made the demand during a meeting with EFA president in Turkey, where discussions were held over his international future.
The reported ultimatum came amid growing tensions between Salah and Hassan following their disagreement during the previous international break.
Hassan, Egypt’s all-time leading goalscorer, substituted Salah in the 60th minute of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Angola.
Salah subsequently left the national team camp the following day and missed Egypt’s match against South Sudan, as well as a friendly against South Africa.
Hassan insisted that the decision to withdraw Salah was purely tactical. He also claimed the forward’s absence against South Sudan had been agreed in advance to protect his fitness because the match was scheduled to take place on an artificial pitch.
However, Salah was included in Trabzonspor’s squad for their UEFA Conference League fixture away against KuPS, which was also played on an artificial surface.
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The situation fuelled speculation about a breakdown in relations between the Egypt captain and his national team manager.
There were also allegations that Hassan’s brother and assistant, Ibrahim Hassan, had directed offensive remarks at some of the national team players.
Reports in the Egyptian media subsequently suggested that the atmosphere within the squad had become increasingly tense, with Salah considering staying away from international duty.
The EFA president reportedly travelled to Turkey to meet Salah and persuade him not to retire from the national team. During the meeting, the forward allegedly made it clear that Hassan’s departure was a condition for his continued involvement.
The Egyptian FA announced on Sunday that Hassan had left his position as head coach, bringing an end to his tenure.
The 60-year-old had been a controversial figure since his appointment in 2024, despite leading Egypt to qualification for the World Cup.
He attracted criticism following Egypt’s 3-2 defeat by Argentina in the round of 16, after accusing FIFA of attempting to influence the tournament in Argentina’s favour. He was subsequently suspended and fined by world football’s governing body.
Hassan had initially been handed a contract extension following his team’s World Cup performance but ultimately lasted just 36 matches in charge.
He has now been replaced by Ali Maher.
Following Hassan’s departure, there is growing expectation that Salah could return to the Egypt squad, although neither the player nor the EFA has officially confirmed that the reported disagreement was the reason behind the managerial change.
Egypt are expected to resume their international campaign in November, when they begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.
