Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has been sacked by the Egyptian Football Association following an off-pitch scandal involving a physical fight between his two wives.
The 60-year-old manager leaves his post only months after guiding the national team to an historic appearance in the knockout stages of the World Cup and signing a long-term contract extension.
Officials moved to terminate his contract after an investigation into domestic disturbances that recently made headlines across the country, overshadowing his achievements on the pitch.
Egyptian Football Association dismissal
The Egyptian Football Association confirmed the dismissal in an official statement released on Tuesday, bringing an abrupt end to Hassan's tenure in charge of the Pharaohs.
In its statement, the organisation explained that it evaluated recent episodes concerning the coach's personal life and determined that they had a negative impact on the positive image and stability of the national team.
The federation concluded that the fallout from the domestic controversy left it with no choice but to remove Hassan from his position with immediate effect.
Domestic dispute in southern Egypt
The controversy emerged into public view on August 17, when Egyptian media outlets revealed that Hassan's two wives, Dana Adam and Howayda El Gharbawy, had engaged in a violent physical altercation.
The fight took place in an area in the south of the country and quickly escalated as other members of the family joined the confrontation.
Local reports indicated that the dispute centred on whether El Gharbawy remained Hassan's legal wife or whether the couple had divorced, with journalists noting that the two women did not maintain good relations.
The brawl became so intense that local police authorities were forced to step in to restore order and separate the participants.
Hassan suffered a medical emergency amid the extreme tension of the incident, fainting at the scene before being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
World Cup heartbreak against Argentina
The dismissal represents a dramatic fall from grace for Hassan, who had been celebrated across Egypt earlier in the summer for his management at the World Cup.
On June 7, Egypt faced Argentina in the round of 16 and appeared on the brink of an historic upset, holding a 2-0 lead until the 80th minute before Argentina mounted an improbable late comeback to claim a spot in the quarter-finals.
The Egyptian camp voiced furious complaints regarding the match refereeing during and after the defeat.
Hassan made a dramatic protest on the touchline by crossing his arms to simulate being handcuffed or imprisoned, and he directed severe criticism at the match officials during his post-game remarks.
Cairo reception and contract renewal
Despite the painful exit, the squad returned to Cairo on June 9 to a hero's welcome, with the delegation received with honours for delivering Egypt's best-ever World Cup performance.
On the afternoon of their return, the Egyptian Football Association announced that it had agreed a new contract keeping Hassan in charge through 2030.
The federation also awarded a contract extension through 2030 to Hassan's twin brother, Ibrahim Hassan, who serves as the national team's technical director.
Managerial record and playing career
Hassan was appointed manager of the national team in February 2024, compiling an impressive record during his 38 matches at the helm.
Under his leadership, Egypt earned 21 victories, recorded 10 draws, and suffered only seven defeats while reaching the knockout phase of the global tournament.
Before entering management, Hassan established himself as one of the most prominent players in Egyptian football history, featuring regularly for the national team and spending time in Greece playing for PAOK alongside his brother Ibrahim.
The Egyptian Football Association has not yet announced who will take charge of the national team following Hassan's departure.
