Mustafa Abu Zahra, a member of the Egyptian Football Association board, expressed his pride in the honorable performance presented by the national team during the 2026 World Cup tournament.
Egypt's national team bid farewell to the 2026 World Cup from the round of 16, after a defeat to the Argentine national team by three goals to two, in the match that brought the two teams together on Tuesday evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Statements by Mustafa Abu Zahra, member of the Egyptian Football Association
Mustafa Abu Zahra said during his television statements on the "Modern MTI" channel: "Thank God, we did what we had to during our participation in the World Cup, and this is according to the testimony of all people."
He added: "We thank Engineer Hani Abu Rida for what we have reached in the World Cup. We presented an honorable image in terms of the players' performance, the technical staff's ideas, as well as the referees."
He continued: "Hossam Hassan's message after the match against Argentina expressed what we feel, regarding the deliberate refereeing errors."
He added: "We appreciate the role of the Egyptian fans who presented a great epic in the World Cup, and we also thank the Arab fans, especially the Moroccan ones, who were keen to support the Pharaohs, and I call for not being swayed by those stirring up sedition."
Abu Zahra revealed: "We submitted a complaint to the International Football Association (FIFA) against what happened against Argentina in terms of refereeing errors, despite our knowledge that FIFA will not take any action."
He continued: "Hossam Hassan's contract as technical director of the Egyptian national team has been officially renewed by agreement with the Egyptian Football Association, after the tremendous technical effort of the Brigadier."
He added: "After returning from the World Cup, we will talk with Captain Hossam Hassan about renewing the contract, which will extend until 2030."
The Football Association member clarified: "Hossam Hassan is a purely patriotic Egyptian coach, and he came to the position with welcome and appreciation from the higher leadership, through the Egyptian Federation and the fans."
He added: "Hossam Hassan is an exceptional and genius coach who created a unique situation with the national team in the period before and during the World Cup and received the testimony of everyone."
He added: "The Egyptian national team players, whether those who participated in the World Cup matches or those who were absent due to injury, were all men and up to the responsibility."
He noted that: "We have a long-term project to develop Egyptian football and teams of various ages, and after our return, we will clarify the general frameworks of that plan."
He concluded: "A governmental and popular reception at the highest level is expected for the national team delegation returning from America, and it will be a source of great pride for all of us."
