Hossam Hassan, the head coach of the Egyptian national football team, displays the Palestinian flag. (Screenshot/YouTube)
Egypt’s head coach asked Allah to grant the Palestinians victory — presumably over Israel — after his team’s win against Australia, which occurred following a dramatic penalty shootout.
By World Israel News Staff
The national soccer teams of Morocco and Egypt displayed Palestinian flags and dedicated their recent World Cup wins to the Palestinian people, despite FIFA’s longstanding restrictions on political messaging during its tournaments.
On Saturday, Morocco secured a 3-0 victory over Canada to advance in the competition. A day earlier, Egypt defeated Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout after the match ended level, sending the Egyptian side through to the next stage.
Following Egypt’s victory, head coach Hossam Hassan used his post-match interview to express solidarity with the Palestinians.
Speaking in Arabic to the beIN Sports network, Hassan said that his “heart and soul” are with the Palestinian people.
He added that the Egyptian team dedicated its win to the Palestinians, saying, “May Allah grant them victory and have mercy on their martyrs.”
After the match, Hassan also carried a Palestinian flag onto the field as celebrations continued with players and supporters.
Morocco’s national team likewise displayed a Palestinian flag on the pitch following its victory over Canada.
Outside the stadium in Dallas, Texas, videos from fan zones showed Egyptian and Moroccan supporters waving Palestinian flags and singing, “My blood is Palestinian.”
The demonstrations occurred despite FIFA regulations that prohibit political, religious and ideological messaging at World Cup venues.
While the Palestinian national team did not qualify for the World Cup, Palestinian flags and banners bearing messages such as “Free Palestine” have been visible throughout the tournament inside and outside stadiums.
FIFA has enforced its rules inconsistently, with Iranian dissidents who displayed the pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag prevented from bringing it into stadiums.
Additionally, security personnel have confiscated Israeli flags from spectators at some matches.
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