Egypt coach waves Palestinian flag after World Cup win, risking FIFA sanction
Hossam Hassan displayed a Palestinian flag on the pitch after Egypt's penalty shootout win over Australia, dedicating the victory to both nations and potentially violating FIFA's ban on political gestures.
Match and victory
Egypt and Australia played to a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes in Arlington, Texas, on Friday. The Pharaohs then won the penalty shootout 4-2, securing a place in the World Cup round of 16. They will face Argentina on Tuesday, July 7, at 18:00 CEST.
Flag gesture and dedication
Immediately after the final whistle, coach Hossam Hassan walked across the pitch waving a Palestinian flag while a section of the crowd chanted "Free Palestine." Video of the scene spread quickly on social media.
Look how the Palestinian people, to whom my heart and soul belong, rejoice with us despite the suffering they endure. May God be with them, protect the living and have mercy on the martyrs. I dedicate this win to the Egyptian and Palestinian people.
Hassan, 59, is not known as a religious figure or as being tied to any political group, according to reports.
FIFA rules and potential consequences
FIFA regulations explicitly prohibit political, religious, and personal messages at World Cup matches. The governing body has not yet commented on the incident. During the 2022 tournament in Qatar, FIFA barred several European teams from wearing "One Love" armbands, citing the same rule.
Egypt's coach celebrated the historic victory with a Palestinian flag. This is a clear violation of FIFA rules.
- Egypt defeats Australia 4-2 on penalties after 1-1 draw, advancing to World Cup round of 16.
- Coach Hossam Hassan waves Palestinian flag on pitch, dedicates win to Egyptian and Palestinian people.
- German and Polish media report on the incident; FIFA has not yet issued a statement.
Background context
The gesture comes nearly three years after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which killed more than 1,100 people and triggered a war in Gaza. Tens of thousands have been killed and infrastructure largely destroyed, according to a dpa report.
What's next
Egypt's round-of-16 match against Argentina is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7. It remains to be seen whether FIFA will open disciplinary proceedings against Hassan before that fixture.
