Egyptian FA respond to claims Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah refused to be substituted

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has become embroiled in another substitution row, months after his touchline spat with Jurgen Klopp sparked controversy. This time, it has been claimed in certain quarters that he refused to come off during Egypt's 1-1 draw with Guinea-Bissau — a suggestion his national FA has now vehemently refuted.

It had been a fine game for Salah, who scored a crucial equalizer in the 70th minute to keep Egypt's unbeaten start to World Cup 2026 qualifying alive. Liverpool supporters could almost get nostalgic watching the goal, as the 31-year-old cut inside onto his left foot before curling a strike powerfully into the top corner.

That sent a message to Arne Slot, a coach renowned for liking wingers who can beat players and make an impact in the final third. There have been some question marks over whether the current iteration of Salah can fulfil that function, but this was a fairly convincing answer, albeit against relatively weak opposition.

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However, the game ended in controversy when it was suggested that the Egypt coach Hossam Hassan had intended to make two late changes, only to end up completing one. It was speculated that Mostafa Fathi, who ended up sitting back down on the bench, had been meant as a replacement for Salah, only for the Liverpool star to refuse to come off.

The Egyptian FA has rejected that account in strong terms. It released a statement (via the Mirror): “There is absolutely no truth to the rumours that Mohamed Salah refused to leave the pitch. Salah was not going to be substituted off in the first place. Hossam Hassan was content with only bringing on Nasser Maher.”

Liverpool.com says: As well as hitting a little too close to the mark after the Klopp incident, this is not the first time recently that Salah has faced unwarranted criticism while on Egypt duty. The AFCON campaign was marked by complaints that he was putting club over country, when injury prompted him to return early to Liverpool.

Of course, Salah was then sidelined at club level for a lengthy period, even reaggravating the problem upon his initial return. That was comprehensive (if unwelcome) proof that he would have been in no fit state to play for Egypt.

Hopefully he gets at least one more shot at glory with his country before hanging up his boots. An icon in Liverpool and indeed throughout much of the Middle East, Salah is yet to win silverware with Egypt despite some near-misses, and it would no doubt cement his legacy even further.