By Satish Sekar © Satish Sekar (February 4^th 2024)

Rui Vitória Thanked but Let Go

The Board of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) met this afternoon to discuss the disastrous Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 campaign. It voted for a shake-up of the organisation of the Men’s National Team. Technical Director Rui Vitória and his assistants were thanked for their service. The former title-wining coach of Benfica’s $2.4m per year contract was terminated.

It followed a disastrous AFCON where the finalists of two years ago (beaten by Sénégal on penalties), denying the Pharaohs an eighth African title exited this edition with a whimper without winning a single match. Mohamed Salah, told journalists that he wanted Rui Vitória to continue his job with Pharaohs.

However legendary Pharaohs’ coach Captain Hassan Shehata thought Rui Vitória had to go. Shehata wanted a local coach to be appointed to succeed the Portuguese former Technical Director. Shehata, the only coach to have won three AFCON titles in a row (2006, 2008 and 2010) suggested Egypt legend Hossam Hassan as a suitable replacement as he knew Egypt’s football philosophy and players.

A Foreign Director Again

The EFA chose a different route. Mohamed Youssef was appointed as the interim general coach until a foreign technical director and his team can be appointed. The meeting also decided that two local coaches would be selected to be assisted abroad.

Captain Alaa Nabil was appointed technical director of the Federation according to a post on its facebook account by the EFA (see https://www.facebook.com/share/p/vpsS89bN6gG4CrSL/)

We broke the story that Rui Vitória’s fate would be decided at this meeting earlier today (see https://empowersmag.com/empowersmagwp/2024/02/04/breaking-news/?fbclid=IwAR3ouNiG-V6DwpAK09BX29HzeUXtL7qRJw3MiaSrpydyQzZwIF10c2KLyYU).