FIFA Confirms No Punishment for Hossam Hassan
In exclusive statements to the Associated Press, FIFA confirmed that there is no intention to impose any sanctions on the Egyptian national team coach Hossam Hassan, after he celebrated by raising the Palestinian flag following the match between Egypt and Australia in the 2026 World Cup.
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FIFA explained that its regulations allow the raising of flags of all member national associations, totaling 211, during the tournament, as long as they comply with stadium regulations and established codes of conduct.
FIFA Resolves the Controversy Surrounding Hossam Hassan
The international federation stated in its remarks to the agency, “We welcome the raising of the Palestinian flag and any flag of the 211 member associations in the International Football Federation, in accordance with stadium regulations and codes of conduct.”
The controversy arose after Hossam Hassan celebrated by raising the Palestinian flag inside the Dallas stadium in Texas, USA, following Egypt’s qualification for the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup. This came after their victory over Australia in a penalty shootout after the original and extra time ended in a draw (1-1), making the Pharaohs achieve their first ever qualification to this stage.
Hassan dedicated the win to the Egyptian and Palestinian people, stating in a television interview after the match: “The Palestinian people are happy with what the Egyptian national team is achieving, my heart is with them, I thank them very much, may God support them and have mercy on their martyrs, and I dedicate this victory to them alongside the Egyptian people.”
