Egypt’s football association (EFA) president Hany Abo Rida says that fasting before the World Cup affected the Pharaohs' campaign at the tournament in Russia. The team chose to fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which ended just one day before Egypt’s opening game against Uruguay.

"It affected us badly, I talked with them before world cup but they refused (to interrupt their fasting)," Abo Rida said. "We ended Ramadan one day before Uruguay but the fasting affected them."

Egypt finished bottom of Group A, losing all of its three games, 0-1 to Uruguay, 1-3 to Russia and 1-2 to Saudi Arabia.

Egypt looking for a new coach

On Tuesday, the EFA announced Héctor Cúper had left his role as Egypt’s head coach following the country’s disastrous campaign at the World Cup. According to Abo Rida, the EFA has begun its search for a new coach to replace the Argentine. Morocco’s tactician Herve Renard has been positioned as the main candidate. "I know he is under contract with Morocco‚ so we will not talk about him‚ but if he ended his contract or become free sure I would start negotiations with him to lead Pharaohs."