Khaled El-Darndaly, Vice President of the Egyptian Football Association and head of the Egyptian national team delegation during the match against South Sudan, denied any misconduct by the technical staff or players.
Reports had circulated about alleged misconduct during the Egyptian national team's trip for the match against South Sudan, which ended with a 5-0 victory for the Pharaohs in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
El-Darndaly said via On Sport: "No misconduct occurred, and no one dares to commit misconduct in my presence. What happened was a mistake, and there is a difference between someone making a mistake and committing misconduct. Simply put, what was said about this matter included some exaggerations."
He added, "I was at the airport and arrived about half an hour before the delegation due to the delegation's delay at Cairo Airport. I was sitting in the airport lounge, and when the bus arrived, the technical staff went directly to the bus heading to the plane."
He clarified, "The mistake happened here because there is a head of the delegation, and protocol and etiquette dictate that he should be greeted, which is what we are accustomed to. However, what happened was that three or four members of the technical staff boarded, while I remained in my place and did not move."
He emphasized, "After that, the players came and greeted me, then Mohamed Abdel Wahed (assistant coach) and Walid Badr (administrative director) came. All the players greeted me, as did the medical staff, and we exchanged conversation."
He continued, "We must maintain the stability of the team as the qualifiers are not over yet and there are still other stages ahead. Everyone must know the role of each individual in the delegation."
Regarding Mohamed Salah, he answered, "Mohamed Salah? Things are normal with Mohamed Salah, and nothing happened at all."
Mohamed Salah left the Egyptian national team camp after the conclusion of the match against Angola in the first round. (Read details)
He revealed, "Any delegation traveling must have its head write a report on all events witnessed during the trip, whether it is the senior national team, youth teams, or even women's football."
He stressed, "The technical staff of the Egyptian national team will definitely continue, and there is absolutely nothing being discussed regarding their departure."
He continued, "I did not discuss the fate of the technical staff with Hany Abo Rida. The technical staff continues normally, and we do not settle scores."
He addressed in his talk, "Since when has it been reported in news about the arrival of any national team or club delegation that it is headed by the technical staff? These are professional standards, regardless of any problems or crises."
He concluded his statements, "The Football Association website published this once upon our arrival in South Sudan, then the news was deleted, and the same thing happened again upon the arrival of the Egyptian national team delegation in Cairo. This is clear intentionality, and there will be accountability to prevent recurrence."
The Egyptian national team returned from South Sudan after winning 5-0.
The Pharaohs defeated South Sudan with five goals scored by Omar Marmoush (two goals), and one goal each by Mostafa Abd El-Raouf "Zico", Ibrahim Adel, and Hamza Abd El-Kareem.
The Egyptian national team raised its points tally to 4 in the group.
