Saudi federation president Al-Misehal stands down after World Cup exit

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Mon, 29 Jun 2026 - 11:10 GMT

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Mon, 29 Jun 2026 - 11:10 GMT

June 28 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia football federation president Yasser Al-Misehal resigned from his post on Sunday as a result of ​the national team's early exit from the World ‌Cup.
The Saudis finished bottom of Group H with two points and were eliminated after drawing with both Uruguay and Cape Verde ​and losing to Spain.
 
"The national team's failure to qualify ​for the next round of the World Cup ⁠is a result that falls short of all our ​ambitions," Al-Misehal wrote on social media.
 
"I bear full responsibility ​for it, apologising to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position.
 
"Based on my conviction that responsibility requires providing ​the opportunity for a new phase, I have decided ​not to continue until the end of the current term."
 
Al-Misehal had been ‌in ⁠the role for seven years and was heavily involved in Saudi Arabia's successful bid to win the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.
 
Saudi Arabia were appearing at ​their third consecutive ​World Cup ⁠and seventh in total but their preparations were hit by the decision to replace ​Herve Renard with Georgios Donis less than ​two months ⁠before the tournament kicked off.
 
The results come after the government had poured huge sums in the sport over recent ⁠years, ​with Saudi clubs signing high-profile players ​including Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior in an effort to boost standards ​within the country.
 

 

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