FIFA declines to sanction Egypt coach Hossam Hassan over Palestinian flag display

FIFA has decided not to take disciplinary action against Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan after he celebrated his team’s victory over Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup while holding a Palestinian flag, according to Israeli media reports and FIFA’s response to inquiries.

The decision prompted criticism in some Israeli political and sporting circles, with the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom describing it as a setback for efforts to seek disciplinary measures against the Egyptian coach.

The controversy arose after Egypt’s victory over Australia in the Round of 16, when Hassan celebrated on the pitch carrying a Palestinian flag and said, “My heart and soul are with the Palestinians,” while also dedicating the victory to both the Egyptian and Palestinian people.

According to Israel Hayom, FIFA clarified in a statement, reported by The Guardian, that displaying the Palestinian flag does not violate tournament regulations because it represents one of FIFA’s 211 member associations.

The governing body stated that flags of all FIFA member associations are permitted at FIFA competitions, rejecting claims that Hassan’s actions constituted a prohibited political demonstration under World Cup rules.

As a result, no disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the Egyptian coach, who is expected to remain in charge of the national team for the remainder of the tournament.

Israeli media contrasted the decision with FIFA’s earlier ruling prohibiting the display of Iran’s pre-1979 national flag during the tournament, while noting that FIFA distinguishes between flags representing recognised member associations and symbols not covered by its competition regulations.

The incident has generated debate over the intersection of sport and political expression, with differing reactions from supporters and critics of FIFA’s decision.

READ: Egypt coach Hossam Hassan: Anyone who does not feel for the Palestinian people ‘does not deserve to be human’