Saudi Arabia divorces national football coach Mancini – DW – October 25, 2024

After 14 months, Roberto Mancini is his job as football– National coach Saudi Arabia off again. The country’s football association announced that the contract with the 59-year-old had been terminated “by mutual consent”. According to media reports, Mancini’s contract actually ran until 2027. In the Asian qualification for the The World Cup In 2026 in Canada, the USA and Mexico, Saudi Arabia is currently only in third place in its group behind Japan and Australia.

Mancini will reportedly receive a severance payment worth around 30 million euros for the early end of his contract. His successor is considered to be Frenchman Zinédine Zidane. The three-time world soccer player, who coached Real Madrid three times Champions League won, has been without a contract since 2021.

Criticism in Italy over Mancini’s move

Former Italian international striker Mancini won three championships in his coaching career with Inter Milan. In 2021 he led the Italian national team to the Victory at the European Championships. His move to the Gulf in August 2023 was widely criticized in his home country. Mancini surprisingly resigned as Italian national coach, only to take up a position in Saudi Arabia some time later.

After the 2021 European Championship victory, Roberto Mancini (l.) was still celebrated, but two years later he was heavily criticized Image: Claudio Villa / Getty Images

Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in football for years. Superstars like the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo and the Brazilian Neymar followed the call of money and playing in the Saudi league. In 2034, almost certainly the state of the Gulf Host the World Cup. Saudi Arabia is a applicants onlyit will be formal FIFA the country is expected to be confirmed as the host of the World Cup at the end of the year.

Human rights groups have long accused the Gulf state Washing fun before. With the huge investments in sports – including football, Formula 1, Golf and Tennis – wants to distract the authoritarian ruling family in Riyadh from the human rights violations in the country.