Egypt national team manager Hossam Hassan has taken the unprecedented step of appointing a cassation court lawyer to pursue legal action against media critics, as his public expressions of loyalty to President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi’s administration draw increasing scrutiny.
The lawyer has filed formal complaints with Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation against pundits who have questioned Hassan’s leadership. One complaint targets former Egypt player Reda Abdel Aal, accusing him of attempting to “disturb the security and peace of the country” and interfering with Hassan’s “official national mission” following comments made after a match against Belgium. Another complaint was lodged against a television presenter who criticised the Hassan twins’ management on social media, alleging that the posts “affected the national team’s management.”
State backing and media pressure
The legal manoeuvres follow explicit warnings from government officials against criticism of the national team. Egypt’s sports minister, Ashraf Sobhy, urged journalists and pundits not to criticise the team’s staff during a reception in late 2025, stating they should “have their backs the same way we all have our military and political leadership’s backs.”
Hassan has consistently used his platform to express gratitude to the state apparatus. After securing World Cup qualification, he declared that “success begins from the top of the pyramid and the officials of the state,” adding that his preferred reward was “the chance to meet the president.” He described a congratulatory message from Al-Sisi following a victory over New Zealand as “a medal on his chest” that had the “effect of magic.”
Contract status and World Cup performance
Despite reportedly leading the team without a formal contract since February—describing his role as “national duty” rather than professional employment—Hassan has achieved historic results. He guided the Pharaohs to the World Cup unbeaten, collecting 26 points from a possible 30, before securing Egypt’s first World Cup victory in 92 years and progression to the knockout stage.
The appointment of a legal spokesperson with authority to “take all necessary legal measures to pursue those who spread rumours” marks a significant departure from conventional football management in the region. The development comes after Al-Sisi previously questioned why Egypt hired foreign coaches, asking his sports minister: “Why don’t we have confidence in Egyptian coaches?” Hassan replaced Portuguese manager Rui Vitória in early 2024 following that directive.