EFA board member Hazem Emam speaks during the news conference. Photo provided by EFA
The Pharaohs have lost their bid to win a record-extending eighth African title after losing to Senegal in the final game, then missed out on the 2022 World Cup in the playoff game.
“As you all know, we had several problems in the last period and its obvious from the latest results and incidents. We were saddened by what happened and we are also to blame for that. We are working to correct our mistakes. We had a long meeting of 3-4 hours with the minister of sports to discuss our future plans and that is what I am here to announce,” EFA board member Hazem Emam said in a press conference on Thursday.
The EFA has decided to dismiss the Pharaohs coach Ehab Galal after just three games and to look for a foreign tactician.
The EFA has also decided to hire a foreign coach for the U23 team ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a foreign technical director for the EFA, and a foreign expert and consultant to help in developing the Referees Committee.
“We always say we want to progress like in Europe. So, we decided to bring foreign coaches and technicians to help us make a major change. They will all have Egyptian assistants to help them gain experience and know how to take over in the future.
“We want to make major changes in the competition formats, the structure of the national teams, youth development and several areas. We lack calibers and experience in some new domains, and that is why we are bringing in foreign experts. What is also important is that we must give them their space and opportunities to work and implement their vision” he added.
Egyptian football has been in turmoil in recent years. The Pharaohs have failed to win the African title since the 2010 despite reaching the final in 2017 and 2021.
The domestic competitions have been disturbed since the coronavirus pandemic and seasons have been overlapping, leading to the burn-out of the players and impacting overall performance.
“We hope to conclude our deals as soon as possible so the new coaches and technicians can immediately start their job. We will announce everything as soon as it happens,” he concluded.
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