Hamza Abdelkarim, the Barcelona striker, has sparked a dispute between Egypt’s national teams in recent hours, with both the senior national team and the youth side interested in calling him up during the upcoming period.
Wael Reyad Wants Hamza Abdelkarim for the Youth Team
A source within the Egyptian Football Association revealed that Wael Reyad, head coach of Egypt’s 2007-born youth team, wants to include Hamza Abdelkarim in the squad for the North African tournament scheduled to take place in Egypt next September.
The tournament is part of the youth team’s preparations for the qualifying campaign for the Africa Cup of Nations, making the availability of overseas-based players an important issue for the coaching staff.
Clash With Egypt’s Senior Team Commitments
The dispute stems from the tournament coinciding with the upcoming international break, which is scheduled to run from September 21 to October 6.
During the same period, Egypt’s senior national team is scheduled to face Angola and South Sudan in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, potentially creating a conflict over Abdelkarim’s availability.
Senior Team Has Priority Over Hamza Abdelkarim
According to the source, the senior Egypt national team would have priority if head coach Hossam Hassan decides to call up Hamza Abdelkarim during the international break.
The senior national team traditionally has priority when selecting players, particularly when it has official fixtures during an international window.
Egyptian FA Could Intervene
The source indicated that officials from the Egyptian Football Association could intervene to persuade Hossam Hassan to leave Abdelkarim with the youth team if the senior coach does not consider the player essential for the upcoming fixtures.
Another possibility is for Wael Reyad to speak directly with Hossam Hassan in an attempt to reach an agreement over the player’s participation with the youth team.
North African Teams Expected to Call Up Overseas Players
The situation has become more significant because other national teams participating in the North African tournament are reportedly expected to call up their overseas-based players.
Egypt’s youth team is keen to benefit from Hamza Abdelkarim’s presence, particularly given the experience he is gaining from his professional career in Spain.
Hamza Abdelkarim’s Situation With Egypt’s National Teams
The final decision over whether Hamza Abdelkarim will join the senior national team or the youth side will depend on the plans of the senior team’s coaching staff led by Hossam Hassan, as well as coordination with Wael Reyad and Egyptian Football Association officials.
The source stressed that the senior national team has priority when selecting players. The main exception would be Hossam Hassan deciding not to call up Abdelkarim, which would allow the striker to join the youth team for the North African tournament.
Why has Hamza Abdelkarim sparked a dispute between Egypt’s national teams?
Because both the senior and youth national teams are interested in calling him up during the same period.
Who wants Hamza Abdelkarim for the youth team?
Wael Reyad, head coach of Egypt’s 2007-born youth team, wants to include him in the squad.
What is Hossam Hassan’s position on Hamza Abdelkarim?
If Hossam Hassan decides to call him up, the senior national team would have priority.
When will the North African tournament take place?
The North African tournament is scheduled to take place in Egypt next September.
How could the dispute be resolved?
The Egyptian Football Association could coordinate between the two coaching staffs, or Hossam Hassan could decide to release the player for the youth team.
