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Updated · The Guardian · Jun 29Saudi FA Chief Quits After 1st-Round World Cup Exit With 2 Points
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 29Summary
- Yasser al-Misehal said he would not serve out his term after Saudi Arabia finished bottom of Group H and failed to reach the World Cup knockout stage.
- Two points from three matches sealed the exit: Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Uruguay and 0-0 with Cape Verde before losing 4-0 to Spain.
- In a post on X late Sunday, al-Misehal apologized and said he bore full responsibility for a result that "falls short of all our ambitions."
- Al-Misehal had led the federation for seven years and was a key figure in Saudi Arabia's successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
Insights
Did Saudi Arabia's football chief resign over a World Cup loss or to protect the Kingdom's larger 2034 ambitions? With billions spent on sports, why can't Saudi Arabia's national team escape the World Cup's first round?