Egyptian coach Shehata would rather die than train Israel

Hassan Shehata

Israel’s football world has been given a direct kick by Egypt’s coach Hassan Shehata who said he preferred death to training the Israeli national team.

“Death of starvation is more honourbale for me and my family than to entertain the idea of training Israel,” Shehata, known as the Teacher by his countrymen, said.

The 60-year-old coach last month set an African record with a third consecutive nations cup that made Egypt forget the bitter disappointment of not qualifying last November for the World Cup finals in South Africa in June.

“I can of course understand Israel’s jealousy of the success and annual achievements of the Egyptian team,” Shehata was quoted as saying by Al Masry Al Youm on Tuesday. “But it would be impossible for me to visit Israel or train its team – even if Israel were the only country in the world that wanted to hire me and avail of my experience. Retiring from football would in this case would be the sound patriotic decision,” he said.

According to the Egyptian coach, the Israelis had no right to “imagine that he could accept to train a team of child and pensioner killers and contribute to boosting a squad that represents a state of occupiers.”

 “All my life, I hear that Israel kills Arabs, launches bombs and destroys villages and towns. However, this is the first time since I was born that I hear that Israel plays football,” said the veteran trainer.

Egypt and Israel have had diplomatic relations since 1979.