Full Breakdown
Saudi Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal Resigns After World Cup Exit
6/29/2026, 8:38:44 AM
Resignation Following Group-Stage Elimination
On 28 June 2024, Yasser Al-Misehal announced his resignation as president of the Saudi Football Federation, citing the national team’s failure to progress beyond the group stage of the 2024 FIFA World Cup.
Background & Context
Saudi Arabia entered the tournament marking its third consecutive and seventh overall World Cup appearance. The federation had recently secured the right to host the 2034 World Cup and invested heavily in domestic football, including signing stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior.
Timeline
– June 2024: Saudi Arabia’s group-stage matches concluded with draws against Uruguay and Cape Verde and a loss to Spain, leaving the side bottom of Group H with two points. – 28 June 2024: Al-Misehal publicly announced his resignation.
Data & Statistics
Saudi finished bottom of Group H with two points from three matches, recording two draws and one loss. Al-Misehal’s tenure lasted seven years. The federation’s recent spending produced at least two marquee signings—Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior.
Why It Matters
The resignation occurs as the federation prepares for its role as host of the 2034 World Cup, and follows a coaching change made less than two months before the tournament. The late coaching change and the substantial financial investment in high-profile players have been noted as contributing to the team’s performance.
Official Statements & Responses
In a social-media post, Al-Misehal said the team’s failure fell short of the federation’s ambitions, accepted full responsibility, apologized to supporters, and explained that stepping down would allow a new phase of leadership before the end of his term.
Criticism & Opposition
Observers noted that replacing Herve Renard with Georgios Donis less than two months before the tournament disrupted preparation and may have contributed to the poor results. They also linked the disappointing performance to the federation’s strategy of spending heavily on foreign stars without improvements in team cohesion.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The national team's failure to qualify for the next round of the World Cup is a result that falls short of all our ambitions,” — Yasser Al-Misehal, President, Saudi Football Federation
- “I bear full responsibility for it, apologising to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position.” — Yasser Al-Misehal, President, Saudi Football Federation
- “Based on my conviction that responsibility requires providing the opportunity for a new phase, I have decided not to continue until the end of the current term.” — Yasser Al-Misehal, President, Saudi Football Federation
What’s Next
The federation must hold a meeting to elect a new president before the current term expires. It will also need to reassess its coaching strategy and the allocation of resources as it prepares for the 2034 World Cup bid and future international tournaments.
