Donis could leave Saudi Arabia with 99% certainty, TV presenter claims

Greek manager Giorgos Donis could be on his way out of the Saudi Arabia national team, despite the Saudi Arabian Football Federation previously confirming that he would remain in charge for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Saudi presenter Abdulrahman Al-Humaidi made the claim during the programme Nadeena on MBC 1, saying he believed there was a 99% chance that Donis would leave his position.

The statement came after Saudi journalist Badr Al-Saqri rejected reports that the federation was preparing to dismiss Donis. Al-Saqri said he had contacted officials at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and had been told that Donis would lead the team at the Asian Cup.

Al-Humaidi then directly challenged that view, replying: “And I tell you that, with 99% certainty, Donis will leave.”

Reports had previously suggested that the Saudi Arabian Football Federation wanted to remove Donis and appoint Roberto Martinez as his successor for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Those reports caused widespread anger in Saudi Arabia, particularly because of the limited time remaining before the tournament. The federation subsequently issued a statement confirming that Donis would continue as head coach.

However, the decision to move the 2027 AFC Asian Cup from January to December next year has reopened the debate over Donis’ future. The revised schedule would give the federation more time to make a change before the competition begins.

Saudi Arabia are scheduled to play two friendly matches in November 2026. They will face South Korea on 13 November 2026 before meeting Uzbekistan on 17 November 2026.

Donis took charge of Saudi Arabia in April, replacing French manager Herve Renard only two months before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Saudi Arabia were eliminated in the group stage of that tournament.

Despite that early exit, Donis guided the team to its first major title in 23 years when Saudi Arabia won the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup, known as Gulf 27, in October.

The achievement represented a significant success for Donis during his time in charge, but his position is now again the subject of public discussion following Al-Humaidi’s strong prediction.