Saudi media revealed the reason for not officially announcing the sacking of Roberto Mancini from coaching the Saudi national team until now.
The Italian coach had quarreled with Saudi fans at the Jewel Stadium after a goalless draw with Bahrain in the World Cup qualifiers, and days after the defeat against Japan at the same stadium.
In light of the decline in performance and results and despite the previous announcement of support, the Saudi Football Association has already decided to sacking Mancini and informed him of this, according to recent reports.
However, what is preventing the official announcement is the failure of the Saudi Federation to reach a financial settlement with Mancini to terminate the contract.
The Italian’s contract extends until the 2026 World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, which means that his sacking now will mean that he will receive his full salary until then.
The Saudi Federation is trying to reach an agreement with the coach to reduce the value of the contract termination as much as possible, and negotiations are still ongoing between the two parties.
It is still unknown who will succeed Mancini in coaching the “Green” team, as sources expect Herve Renard to return again, and other sources talk about appointing the national coach Saleh Al-Muhammadi.
