FIFA Suspends Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan for Three Matches

FIFA has suspended Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan for three matches over criticism of a referee during the 2026 World Cup.

The sanctions also affect two other members of Egypt’s national team setup. Forward Mostafa Zico was banned for five matches, while Ibrahim Hassan, who directs the national team, received a three-match suspension.

Sanctions follow Argentina defeat

Egypt lost 3-2 to Argentina in the World Cup round of 16. After the defeat, Hossam Hassan blamed refereeing mistakes and said Egypt had been “cheated” out of a place in the quarter-finals.

Zico also insulted the referee during a post-match interview. The identity of the referee and FIFA’s detailed explanation for the sanctions have not been provided.

Zico’s five-match ban means he will remain on the bench until June, according to the reported decision.

Egypt awaiting FIFA explanation

The Egyptian Football Association said it had asked FIFA to explain the basis for the decision. The association said it would decide whether to appeal after receiving FIFA’s justification.

If the suspensions remain in force, Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan will miss Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Malawi in November. The association has not yet stated whether it will ultimately challenge the sanctions.