After managing the Saudi Arabian men’s national team for 14 months, Roberto Mancini was replaced as manager.
Last August, Mancini was hired as head coach for a four-year term, reportedly for £21 million annually.
Only a few weeks had passed since he had quit as manager of Italy, where he had previously guided the national team to victory at the 2021 European Championships.
The ‘mutual agreement’ to terminate Mancini’s contract was announced by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
The announcement came after rumours circulated in the last few days that the Italian would be fired by the company.
A statement said, “Today, the Saudi Football Federation’s Board of Directors and Italian national team coach Roberto Mancini reached a joint agreement that includes termination of the contractual relationship.”
‘The council extends its thanks to Mr. Roberto Mancini, wishing him good luck in his career.
‘The Board of Directors confirms that the name of the next coach of the national team will be announced in the next few days after the completion of the contracting procedures.’
Mancini leaves Saudi Arabia with the nation lying third in Group C of the third round of Asia’s qualification process for the 2026 World Cup.
