Published Date: 2025-05-01 11:56:46 Updated At: 2025-05-01 15:11:06

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) is reportedly leaning toward officially withdrawing the national football team from the upcoming 2025 Arab Cup, set to be held in Qatar from December 1 to 18. This anticipated decision stems from a direct scheduling conflict with Egypt’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be hosted by Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

According to a well-informed source within the EFA, the scheduling clash poses a serious and insurmountable obstacle—especially after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that Egypt’s first AFCON match will be on December 22 against Zimbabwe. This would require the Egyptian team to arrive in Morocco by at least December 15 for proper technical and physical preparations, as well as to adapt to the tournament's environment—just three days before the Arab Cup concludes.

The source added that the EFA held extensive consultations with the national team’s technical staff, led by coaching duo Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan. Both agreed that participating in the Arab Cup under such circumstances would be logistically and technically unfeasible due to the tight international calendar and the need to fully focus on the more significant continental competition. Fans are especially eager for Egypt to reclaim the AFCON title, which has eluded them for years.

Hossam Hassan, in particular, insisted on allowing players ample time to prepare for AFCON, emphasizing the importance of full mental and physical readiness for the critical phase ahead. The coach also pointed out that Egypt has yet to secure a strong ranking in the CAF classification, which could influence World Cup qualifying draws—making official competitions a top priority.

The EFA also considered the option of fielding a local-based squad (the "local national team") for the Arab Cup. However, the board ultimately rejected this due to the negative experience in the African Nations Championship qualifiers, where the local team suffered a heavy defeat to South Africa, damaging its reputation. The Arab Cup is expected to feature teams with full-strength, mostly professional squads, further complicating the prospects of a strong showing by a local-based side.

Concerns were also raised over the risk of injuries or fatigue to local players before the start of the new domestic season, as well as potential public backlash in the event of poor results against stronger opponents. The EFA therefore prefers to focus on preparing for official competitions rather than friendlies or tournaments not included in the FIFA calendar.

Meanwhile, the EFA has received an official invitation from the Arab Cup organizing committee, but has yet to respond, awaiting a final decision from the national team’s technical staff—who appear inclined toward withdrawal to avoid diverting attention from the more prestigious AFCON.

The technical staff is also planning an extended training camp ahead of AFCON, which will include high-quality friendly matches to optimize physical and tactical readiness. This plan further conflicts with the Arab Cup’s dates and strengthens the likelihood of Egypt's absence from the tournament for the first time in years.

The source added that the EFA is now in communication with CAF to confirm Egypt’s preparedness for AFCON, while also coordinating logistics, including travel, accommodation, and medical and performance reports for players—especially those recovering from injuries or coming off intense seasons.

Given all these factors, it seems all but certain that Egypt will not send its senior national team to the Arab Cup, with slim chances of any alternative team participating. A formal withdrawal now appears to be the most likely outcome in the coming days—driven by scheduling pressures, club commitments, and the strategic focus on Africa’s top football prize.

The expected decision to opt out is not taken lightly, but rather reflects a comprehensive assessment of technical realities and timing—underscoring the EFA’s intent to prioritize the pursuit of continental glory and restore Egypt’s stature in African and global football.