SAUDI ARABIA SACKS ROBERTO MANCINI AFTER 14-MONTH TENURE

2024, OCTOBER 24 – Roberto Mancini has been dismissed as head coach of Saudi Arabia’s national team after a turbulent 14-month tenure marked by poor results and mounting tension with fans. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced on 24 October that they had reached a “mutual agreement” with the 59-year-old Italian to terminate his lucrative contract, originally set to run until 2027.

Mancini, who led Italy to the UEFA Euro 2020 title, managed seven wins, six losses, and five draws with the Green Falcons, including recent setbacks – a home defeat to Japan and a goalless draw with Bahrain in FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifiers – that intensified criticism from supporters and heightened internal pressures. Sources within SAFF revealed negotiations to end Mancini’s contract began after the loss to Japan, noting that despite the Italian coach’s complaints about limited opportunities to prove himself and challenges posed by the influx of foreign players in the Saudi Pro League, the federation felt a change was necessary to revitalise the national team’s performance.

Saudi Arabia, the sole bidder for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, views building a competitive national team as essential, having invested over a billion dollars in high-profile players in 2023. Mancini’s exit comes amid speculation of a possible return by former Saudi head coach Hervé Renard, who left in March 2023 after leading the team to a historic victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. However, SAFF is reportedly cautious about rehiring Renard due to his abrupt departure.

The federation assured that a new coach will be named in the coming days as Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious sporting overhaul aimed at establishing itself as a major business and leisure hub.

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