FIFA Bans Egypt Coach for Three Matches as FA Considers Appeal
Egypt’s preparations for upcoming international fixtures have suffered a setback after FIFA imposed suspensions on head coach Hossam Hassan, team manager Ibrahim Hassan and forward Mostafa Zico following disciplinary proceedings linked to the country’s World Cup defeat to Argentina. The Egyptian Football Association announced on Monday that Hossam and Ibrahim had each received three-match bans, while Zico was suspended for five matches.
The sanctions stem from Egypt’s 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 in Atlanta, United States, on July 6. Egypt surrendered an early two-goal advantage during the encounter, with tensions rising over several refereeing decisions, including a disallowed goal and the dismissal of a member of the Egyptian coaching staff after Argentina scored the winner.
Following the match, Hossam criticised the officiating and accused Argentina of unfairly denying Egypt a place in the quarter-finals. The suspensions could affect Egypt’s preparations for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi in November and subsequent international fixtures, while Zico’s ban is expected to keep him out of action until June 2027.
The Egyptian Football Association has requested FIFA’s detailed explanations for the disciplinary decisions as it considers its legal options and the possibility of an appeal. The association’s next steps could determine whether the suspensions remain in place as Egypt prepares for its upcoming international commitments.
