Arab Cup Exit Sparks Fire: Ex-Shabab Leader Slams Renard for Lineup and Late Changes
16 December 2025
Controversial Selections and Late Substitutions Draw Fire
Ahmed Aqeel, the former president of Al-Shabab, fired sharp criticism at French coach Herve Renard after the Green Falcons bowed out of the Arab Cup. The Saudi side fell to Jordan 1-0 in the semi-final, ending their run in the tournament.
Criticism and the Why Behind the Exit
In an interview with the Saudi daily Al-Riyadiya, Aqeel cited several factors behind the national team's repeated failures in recent years, including weak administrative preparation and the way coaches handle decisive matches.
He added that Renard bears responsibility for the exit against Jordan in the Arab Cup due to a misjudged lineup and late changes, and he criticized the referee for missing a clear early penalty.
What’s Next and the Historical Context
Saudi Arabia now prepares to face the UAE in the third-place match, a chance to salvage pride in the tournament.
The two teams have met 37 times across official and friendly matches, with Saudi Arabia winning 21, the UAE eight, and eight draws. In goals, the Green Falcons have scored 51 against the White, while the Emiratis have hit 26 against the Saudi defense.
Punchline: If lineups were a puzzle, that one looked incomplete—someone forgot to put the defense pieces in the box.
Punchline 2: The referee’s call in the first half was so obvious even a sideline reporter could spot it from a coffee break. Maybe next time he’ll sip wisely and see clearly.
