Roberto Mancini leaves role as Saudi Arabia head coach after only 14 months with replacement set to be named

Mancini has left his role as the head coach of Saudi Arabia after a 14-month reign. The 58-year-old signed a four-year contract in 2023 but the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has now announced that a "joint agreement" has been reached for him to depart.

In their last five World Cup qualifiers, Saudi Arabia have won just one and are third in qualification Group C. Mancini had earlier voiced some grievances with the arrival of high-profile names to the Saudi Pro League and the impact it was having on the development of homegrown players.

The FA statement confirms that they will appoint Mancini's successor within "the next few days". It is unclear if they will again aim to appoint a big-name import.

The Saudi statement read: "The Board of Directors of the Saudi Football Federation and the coach of the national team, Roberto Mancini, reached a joint agreement today, which includes the end of the contractual relationship."

Saudi Arabia's recent form has left them in dire danger of missing out on the 2026 World Cup, which would be a hammer blow to their reputation as they look to build their status ahead of the 2034 World Cup, which they will host.