Dallas police meet, exchange gifts with Egypt team after incident

Dallas police said in a Saturday news release that officers met with members of Egypt’s national soccer team after video of a confrontation involving an officer and men associated with the team spread widely online.

The meeting followed a Thursday confrontation at the Westin Dallas Downtown that began after hotel security requested police assistance with a credentialing issue, police said. Video of the encounter showed an officer pushing and putting his finger in the chest of a man wearing a Team Egypt shirt as others stepped in and urged the officer to calm down.

Police said officers responded about 11:50 a.m. after hotel security reported an individual without event credentials was trying to gain access. The department said officers later learned some people were not displaying credentials properly, which police said was required. Police said the credentialing issue was resolved but did not directly address the officer’s actions shown in the video.

On Saturday, the department said in a news release that officers and team representatives “exchanged gifts, and shared conversations centered on partnership, and mutual respect.” Dallas police said the meeting included Deputy Chief Osama Ismail and several Egyptian officials and team leaders.

Those pictured with police included Cherif Mokhtar, consul general of Egypt in Houston; Hany Abo Rida, president of the Egyptian Soccer Association and a member of the FIFA Council; Hossam Hassan, head coach of the Egyptian men’s national team; Mohamed Salah, the team’s captain; and Ibrahim Hassan, director of the national team.

“The Dallas Police Department values its relationships with members of our community and international visitors,” the department said in the release. “We understand one conversation can make a difference, and respect is demonstrated through actions.”

A message to the Egyptian Football Association seeking comment was not returned Friday.

The Associated Press reported Friday that Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said through a translator that the team had accepted an apology from police and considered the matter resolved.

“We are really happy to be here at this tournament, and we are satisfied with the security personnel that are accompanying us,” Hassan said, according to the AP. “I would like to point to the high-level organization we have with us and the level of security we have with us.”

The footage drew criticism from Dallas City Council member Adam Bazaldua, who called it “deeply troubling” and said the officer’s actions appeared overly aggressive. Dallas police union leaders disputed that characterization, saying officers were responding to a security concern in a controlled access area during the World Cup.

The meeting also came after a historic moment for Egypt on the field. Hassan is the first person to play and coach for Egypt at the World Cup, and the victory over Australia came in Egypt’s debut in the knockout round of the tournament.

Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout Friday after a 1-1 draw at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, advancing to the Round of 16. Egypt is scheduled to face Argentina on Tuesday in the next round.

Dallas police congratulated Egypt on the win and said the department looked forward to maintaining its relationship with the team “throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup and beyond.”

Staff Writer Chase Rogers contributed to this report.