Egypt's national football team coach, Hossam Hassan, has increasingly blurred the lines between football and politics, using his position to express loyalty to President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi. After Egypt's 3-1 victory over New Zealand at the World Cup, Hassan issued a statement thanking al-Sisi, calling the president's congratulatory message "a medal on his chest" and praising the "unprecedented development" of Egyptian sport under al-Sisi's leadership.
Hassan's Achievements and Political Statements
Hassan, a legendary Egyptian striker and three-time Africa Cup of Nations winner as a player, has led the Pharaohs to the World Cup unbeaten with 26 points from a possible 30, securing Egypt's first World Cup victory in 92 years. Despite these accomplishments, he often prioritizes political allegiance. After qualifying, Hassan said "success begins from the top of the pyramid and the officials of the state" and expressed his desire to meet the president, adding that al-Sisi "shouldered a great burden that no one else could bear."
State Control of Egyptian Football
Egyptian football infrastructure has been absorbed by military and intelligence-linked entities. The shirt sponsor is the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD), a military-owned enterprise. Match tickets are sold via Tazkarti, a subsidiary of United Media Services (UMS), owned by Egypt's General Intelligence Service. Another UMS subsidiary, Sports United, controls TV broadcasts, livestreaming rights, and in-stadium advertising. The World Cup Fan Zone is owned and managed by ACUD, with access through Tazkarti.
Hassan's Legal Actions Against Critics
Hassan has appointed a cassation court lawyer as his official legal spokesperson to pursue those who spread rumors. He filed complaints with the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) against a TV presenter and former player Reda Abdel Aal, accusing them of disturbing national security. The SCMR summoned the presenter's representative but no outcome has been announced.
Government Expectations
At a CAF/Unilever Afcon Trophy reception in late 2025, Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy urged journalists and pundits not to criticize the national team staff, saying they should "have their backs the same way we all have our military and political leadership's backs."
