Football Association sets crucial condition for Ali Maher to remain with Egypt national team

A report has revealed a crucial clause in Ali Maher's new contract as head coach of the Egypt national team, granting the Egyptian Football Association the right to terminate the contract if the team fails to reach the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.

The Egyptian Football Association previously set a similar condition in coach Hossam Hassan's contract during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the national team succeeded in reaching the semi-finals, allowing the coach to continue his mission and lead the Pharaohs in the 2026 World Cup, before his recent dismissal and Ali Maher taking over the responsibility in his place.

Reports indicate that reaching the semi-finals of the upcoming African tournament will be the main criterion for the continuation of Ali Maher and his coaching staff in charge of the national team, according to the condition that the Football Association intends to include in the contract.

In this context, officials from the Egyptian Football Association have confirmed that Ali Maher has not yet officially signed his contract, explaining that the final version is being prepared in the coming days, with the signing procedures to take place after the national team's delegation returns from Malawi, where the team is playing the second leg in the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ali Maher began his journey with the Egyptian national team with a big victory over Malawi, winning 5-0 in Cairo. The two teams will meet again away on Tuesday.

If they win again, the Egyptian national team will secure qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Ali Maher is 52 years old and has made a significant impact during his coaching experiences in Egyptian football, having led several clubs, most notably Al Masry and Ceramica Cleopatra.

The coach is widely respected in the Egyptian football community, seen by many as one of the top local coaches currently, especially with his reliance on an attacking style. He is set to embark on a new challenge with the national team amid fans' hopes of achieving strong results in the upcoming African championship.