A source within the Egyptian Football Association denied the recent rumors about the suspension of Hossam Hassan, the national team coach, due to him raising the flag of the State of Palestine after the Australia match.
Hossam Hassan celebrated after Egypt qualified for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, raising the Palestinian flag along with the Egyptian one on the field after the Australia match.
The Egyptian team, led by Hossam Hassan, qualified for the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup after defeating Australia in a penalty shootout (4-2) following a draw (1-1) in regular and extra time.
The truth about Hossam Hassan's suspension due to the Palestinian flag
A source from the Football Association said in exclusive statements to Yalla Kora: "The Football Association has not received any communications from FIFA regarding the suspension of Hossam Hassan, the coach of the Egyptian national team."
The source concluded his statements: "The prohibition according to the tournament's regulations involves directing messages or political statements during press conferences or raising banners with political phrases."
The Associated Press obtained a response from the International Football Association "FIFA" regarding the incident involving Hossam Hassan and the Palestinian flag, which stated: "Flags representing all 211 FIFA member associations are allowed to be raised in FIFA tournaments, and we welcome fans to display them in accordance with stadium regulations and FIFA stadium conduct rules."
The Egyptian team is preparing to face Argentina next Tuesday evening in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
