Egypt Sack Hossam Hassan Days Before Malawi, Three Alliances Fight For Al-Ittihad And Salem Al-Dawsari’s Surprise Omission

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Egypt have sacked Hossam Hassan five days before their Malawi qualifier, three alliances are battling to buy Al-Ittihad, and Saudi captain Salem Al-Dawsari has been left out of Georgios Donis’s squad. Ali Maher replaces Hassan for both Malawi games, the Saudi Public Investment Fund is weighing bids that could run until the end of next year, and reports disagree on why Al-Dawsari is missing.

Egypt Sack Hossam Hassan And Name Ali Maher Days Before Malawi

What Is It About
The Egyptian Football Association sacked national team coach Hossam Hassan on Saturday after days of speculation about his future. Ceramica Cleopatra coach Ali Maher, 52, replaces him and will take charge for both Malawi matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Why It Matters
The decision follows months of controversy. On Thursday the Supreme Council for Media Regulation banned Hassan from appearing in any media, and there were reports of tensions with Mohamed Salah and Mohamed El Shenawy. Hassan led Egypt to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals and to the round of 16 at the World Cup, where Argentina beat them 3-2 after Egypt surrendered a two-goal lead.

What’s Next
Egypt open their training camp on November 9 and play Malawi on November 13 and 17. They lead Group B with four points after a 0-0 draw with Angola and a 5-0 win over South Sudan. Maher drew attention for winning the 2024-25 Egyptian League Cup with Ceramica Cleopatra and finishing fourth in the Premier League last season.

Three Powerful Alliances Fight To Buy Al-Ittihad

What Is It About
Three investment alliances are competing to buy Al-Ittihad, according to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah. The Public Investment Fund is studying the bids, and the process is expected to run until the end of next year.

Why It Matters
The first alliance pairs the American Glazer family with businessman Wael Jamjoum. The second brings together Prince Saad bin Abdullah and American businessman Joshua Harris, and plans to appoint former Al-Ittihad president Hamad Al-Sunai as chief executive. The third unites Sidra Capital and BlueFive Capital, led by Abdulrahman and Sultan, the sons of former honorary Al-Ittihad member Khalid bin Mahfouz.

What’s Next
Arriyadiyah says the Sidra Capital and BlueFive Capital bid is closest to a deal, with the highest financial offer and the strongest investment file. Al-Hilal were the first of the big four to leave the PIF, after 70% of their shares passed to Kingdom Holding Company, owned by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, last April.

Why Salem Al-Dawsari Is Missing From Saudi Arabia’s Squad

What Is It About
Saudi Arabia and Al-Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari was left out of the squad for the national team’s Doha camp, which runs from November 9 to 17. According to journalist Naif Al-Thaqil, the decision was based on technical criteria, not an injury.

Why It Matters
Coach Georgios Donis reportedly weighed recent playing time, match fitness, tactical fit and medical reports. The message from that reporting is that the omission was a coaching choice. Other reports say Al-Dawsari has not yet regained full physical readiness after injury.

What’s Next
Saudi Arabia face a Doha camp without their captain. Al-Hilal’s own return to training is set for November 14, when they begin preparations for the restart of the season.

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