Queiroz’s contract automatically ran out after Egypt lost to Senegal 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 aggregate draw on Tuesday to miss out on a place in the international tournament.

“The board is set to discuss the matter internally and then will meet with the technical staff, after which we will take the final decision regarding the coach’s future,” Alaam told ON Time Sports TV channel after Tuesday’s match.

“The coach did his best, and everything is possible regarding his future, but I respect the decision of our board members,” he added.

Directly after losing to Senegal, Queiroz sent an apparent goodbye message to Egyptian fans via twitter saying: “The dream is over. We tried our best, but that was not enough today. From the bottom of my heart, I extend my gratitude to the EFA for this honour of coaching the national team.”

“To all my players and staff, you have my recognition and humble thanks. You will always be in my heart. It was my privilege to work with and assisted by such dedicated and capable professionals and wonderful friends,” the coach added.

Allam stressed that the final decision regarding Queiroz’s future won’t be taken before discussing the matter with the coach himself.

Queiroz was named as Egypt’s coach in September last year, succeeding Hossam El-Badry following the Pharaohs’ stuttering start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Portuguese tactician set about tightening Egypt’s porous defence, introducing some conservative tactics which proved effective on many occasions, however, he still came under fire for the team’s shortcomings in the final third.

Furthermore, he was lauded for introducing some promising new faces, who caught the eyes of all with convincing displays at the FIFA Arab Cup, in which Egypt finished fourth in Qatar in December.

In the African Cup of Nations, Egypt brushed aside several of the continent’s heavyweights while enroute to the final, defeating Cote D’Ivoire, Morocco, and hosts Cameroon.

However, they suffered an agonising shootout loss to Senegal in the final before slumping to an equally painful loss to the Lions of Teranga in the two-legged World Cup qualifying playoff, leaving Queiroz to rue his bad luck.

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