The president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Yasser Al-Misehal, has resigned following the national team’s disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup, taking full responsibility for the Green Falcons’ failure to progress beyond the group stage.
Al-Misehal announced his decision in a statement shared on his official X account late Sunday, describing Saudi Arabia’s performance at the tournament as far below expectations.
“The failure of the national team to qualify for the next round of the World Cup is a result that falls short of all our ambitions, and I bear full responsibility for it,” he wrote.
“I offer my apologies to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position.”
The football administrator added that his resignation was motivated by a desire to allow new leadership to guide Saudi football forward.
“A sense of responsibility requires giving the opportunity to open a new chapter, and I have decided not to continue until the end of my current term,” he stated.
Saudi Arabia endured a disappointing campaign in the tournament, finishing bottom of Group H with two points. The Green Falcons drew 1-1 with Uruguay and played out a goalless draw against Cape Verde before suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Spain, a result that sealed their elimination.
Al-Misehal’s resignation brings an end to his seven-year tenure as president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, during which he played a pivotal role in transforming the country’s football landscape.
Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia secured the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a landmark achievement that aligns with the kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 strategy aimed at diversifying its economy beyond oil.
The resignation comes after months of turbulence within the national team. In March, French coach Hervé Renard departed his role following a string of disappointing friendly results during preparations for the World Cup. His exit marked the end of his second spell in charge after returning to replace Italian coach Roberto Mancini.
Despite investing nearly $2 billion in football over the past three years and attracting global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League, the country’s ambitions of making a deep run at the World Cup failed to materialise.
Saudi Arabia was making its third consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup, but the early exit has sparked calls for reforms as the nation prepares to host the 2034 edition of the global tournament.
(AFP)