Why isn't Egypt's next Salah on FIFA's portal like Volpato?
DIRECT ANSWER: Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan declared for Egypt in March and, according to Football360, had his change of association ratified in time for World Cup selection. Yet he does not appear on FIFA's official Change of Association portal — unlike Cristian Volpato, whose Italy-to-Australia switch was logged on 29 May 2026. The gap may reflect a clerical error or the five-plus years since his last France youth call-up.
Key Takeaways
- Cristian Volpato's switch to Australia is publicly logged on FIFA's portal; Hassan's Egypt move is not.
- Football360 reports Hassan's paperwork was ratified, but FIFA has not explained his absence from the register.
- Possible causes include a FIFA clerical error or timing tied to his last France youth appearance.
- Fielding an ineligible player in a World Cup match could trigger a forfeit under FIFA Article 55.1.
- Hassan has featured in Egypt friendlies and is viewed as a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
Who is Haissem Hassan and why is he called Egypt's next Salah?
With Mohamed Salah named to start Egypt's Round of 32 clash, Hossam Hassan's squad needs depth should the Liverpool star's fitness fail. Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, 24, born in Bagnolet, France, has been touted as a natural long-term successor — a wideman capable of cutting inside, according to an April ESPN report cited by Football360.
He worked through Paris FC and LB Chateauroux before a Spanish path via Villarreal and Sporting de Gijón to Oviedo. After a tug of war involving France, Egypt and Tunisia — his father was born in Egypt and his mother in Tunisia — he declared for The Pharaohs in March. He debuted in a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia and later featured against Spain, Russia and Brazil.
How does Cristian Volpato's switch differ from Hassan's case?
Volpato's one-time move from Italy to Australia is the clearest comparison. FIFA's Change of Association portal — the source of truth for such switches — lists his transfer on 29 May 2026. Adrian Segecic's switch to Croatia was logged on 13 March 2026; Australia alone received four other 2026 changes, including Dylan Scicluna from Malta.
Egypt's portal page shows nothing logged for 2026. Hassan does not appear there, and Football360 notes his profile still sits on the official France Football website. That contrast with Volpato is exactly what keeps eligibility watchers asking questions as the World Cup progresses.
Why is Hassan missing from FIFA's change-of-allegiance portal?
Football360 understands Hassan's change was confirmed and ratified before his World Cup selection, but vagaries remain. The outlet has sought clarity from FIFA, which is still to be confirmed. Two plausible explanations stand out: a technical or clerical error on FIFA's page, or the fact that more than five years had passed since his last France youth call-up.
A pending application — which would leave him ineligible — appears not to be the case. He has not played a competitive senior international for another nation, and he holds a valid connection through his parents. These administrative puzzles often surface in stories we cover under True Crime & Unsolved Mysteries, where paperwork gaps can matter as much as on-field talent.
What are the stakes if Egypt fielded an ineligible player?
Hassan has not yet seen World Cup minutes. He was summoned from the bench in Egypt's last match, only to be told to sit back down — a moment that briefly stirred social media. Carrying him in the squad alone would not trigger a forfeit, though it could lead to a fine.
Playing him in a World Cup match without proper clearance would be another matter. Under Article 55.1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, as reported by Football360, an ineligible appearance can force a forfeit. Unlisted players must submit a formal application and receive approval before joining the platform. Until Hassan appears beside Volpato on that register, the mystery over Egypt's next Salah remains officially unresolved.