Queiroz's contract automatically expired following Egypt's shootout loss to Senegal after a 1-1 aggregate draw in a qualifying playoff last week. However, the EFA has yet to confirm whether the veteran Portuguese boss will actually depart.

Local reports said the majority of EFA's board members are in favour of handing Queiroz a fresh deal, believing that he should be given more time to build on the work he has done at the helm.

Egypt reached the African Nations Cup final in February despite being written off by many before losing to Senegal in another penalties defeat. The Pharaohs were applauded for displaying some defensive solidity but Queiroz was still criticised for their toothless performances in the final third.

The latest World Cup qualifying defeat by Senegal was marred by some crowd troubles, with bottles thrown onto the pitch, obscenities hurled at the players and green pointer lasers targeting Mohamed Salah and his teammates during the shootout.

Egypt made a bold move, which pundits said are unlikely to yield any results, of lodging a formal complaint with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to demand that the game be replayed.

"The Egyptian Football Association board of directors … held a meeting with coach Carlos Queiroz, during which he presented a detailed report on the Senegal trip, the events that accompanied the match and his technical report," the EFA said in a statement.

"The board of directors agreed during the meeting to give Queiroz a rest so that he can travel home until a decision is made regarding the appeal submitted by the EFA to FIFA and CAF over the replay of Egypt's match against Senegal due to the unfortunate events of the return match."

Queiroz appeared to send Egyptian fans a goodbye message following the Senegal clash, saying he was honoured to work with the team. However, reports said he was still willing to carry on.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)