Egypt national team head coach Hossam Hassan revealed on Monday that the team's plan to fly directly from Vancouver to Seattle ahead of their final World Cup group match against Iran was rejected by local security authorities.
"Security authorities rejected the team’s request to stay in Seattle as planned after the match against New Zealand in the World Cup; therefore, the delegation will return to Spokane," Hassan said in a statement released by the Egyptian Football Association.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, Egypt had submitted a request to stay in Seattle this week but ultimately had to return to their training base in Spokane, approximately 450 km (280 miles) east of Seattle.
On Sunday, Egypt secured their first-ever World Cup victory, defeating New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver. Mohamed Salah scored as Egypt came from behind to claim the historic win.
