Egypt s football icon Hossam Hassan has been invited by FIFA to attend the final draw for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the former Ahly and Zamalek star revealed on social media late on Monday.
"Dear Mr. Hassan, it is my great pleasure to invite you to attend the final draw for the 2018 FIFA Wolrd Cup to be held on Friday, 1 December 2017, in the concert hall of Moscow s state Kremlin Place," reads an invitation letter signed by FIFA s president Gianni Infantino.
"Together, we will witness the unfolding of the 2018 World Cup in this unique venue within the historic walls of the Kremlin, and get to know which thrilling matches await us next year in Russia," added the letter of the world s football governing body.
The 51-year old Hassan, the current coach of Egyptian club Masry SC, was also invited to attend the FIFA Banquet, which will be held in the evening of Thursday, 30 November. Football stars from all over the world are supposed to attend the event.
Three-time African Cup of Nations winner Hossam and his twin brother Ibrahim had a long fruitful journey with the Egyptian national team. They were members in the squad that represented Egypt in its last World Cup appearance in 1990.
Hossam is Egypt s all-time top scorer with 69 goals in 169 appearances from 1985 until 2006.
Since their retirement from league play in 2007, the Hassan brothers took charge of a host of Egyptian clubs like Masry, Maqassa, Zamalek, Ittihad of Alexandria, and Ismaily.
Under the guidance of Hossam and Ibrahim, Port Said-based club Masry delivered outstanding performances last season, ending the league among the top four and also reaching the Cup final. Masry currently lies at the second place at the league s table with 16 points from eight matches, one behind leaders Ismaily who still have one match in hand.
Egypt ended a 27-year World Cup drought after defeating Congo 2-1 earlier in October to book their ticket for next year s World Cup in Russia.
Seven-time African champions, Egypt have only made two World Cup appearances, both in Italy, in 1934 and 1990.
