Saudi FA Delays Verdict on Renard Amid Arab Cup Exit Chaos
17 December 2025
Renard's Future in Focus after Arab Cup Exit
Following Saudi Arabia's 1-0 semifinal defeat to Jordan at Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar, a veil of uncertainty hangs over French coach Hervé Renard and his tenure with the national team.
Fan anger surged as calls for Renard to be dismissed and for a fresh coach to lead the Green into the 2026 World Cup grew louder after the loss on Monday night.
According to the Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, Renard's fate will be quietly evaluated in the coming period as part of a technical review to understand the reasons behind the exit and to make a carefully considered decision away from emotional reactions.
All options remain on the table, including continuation or parting ways, but the Saudi Football Federation wants to avoid rushing a decision on this sensitive issue, leaving the coach's future unclear for now.
Renard had made strong remarks at a press conference before facing UAE, stating that the national team has not won titles since 2003 and that the problems were not only due to him.
What’s Next for the Green?
In a match recap context, the Green are preparing to face the United Arab Emirates in Thursday's third place playoff of the Arab Cup, after the White were eliminated by Morocco 3-0.
The federation emphasizes a calm, structured review ahead of decisive action, focusing on long term planning rather than quick reactions.
Renard's comments and the overall performance will be weighed as Saudi football studies the path forward for the national team in the run up to future competitions.
Saudi Arabia will meet the UAE in the third-place playoff, with the federation aiming for a measured approach that prioritizes stability and long-term success over hasty choices.
Patience is a virtue in football, but in Renard's case the waiting time feels like a sniper waiting for the perfect wind; the target is unclear, yet everyone is watching closely.
When you plan a comeback, remember this: even a sniper needs good timing, and so does a federation that wants to avoid shooting blanks in Qatar 2026.
