Saudis consider Renard return after Mancini exit

Saudi Arabia's football body said on Oct 24 it was parting ways with national coach Roberto Mancini after 14 months in the job, following a run of poor results.

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The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has reached a mutual agreement to terminate the contract of the 59-year-old Italian, who signed a lucrative deal until 2027 in August 2023, a statement said.

Building a strong national team is a priority for the oil-rich Saudis, who splashed more than a billion dollars on players in 2023 and are the sole bidders for the 2034 World Cup.

"The Saudi Arabian Football Federation confirms that the name of the new coach will be announced within days," it added.

Mancini, who led his native Italy to the Euro 2020 title during a trophy-laden career, managed seven wins, six defeats and five draws with the Green Falcons.