Saudi Arabia reject coaching approaches as Georgios Donis keeps his job

Saudi Arabia have reportedly turned down approaches for several high-profile managers and remain committed to Georgios Donis, despite claims that the Greek coach could leave before the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Saudi broadcaster Abdulrahman Al-Hamidi, presenter of the Nadeena programme on MBC 1, had said there was a 99% chance Donis would be dismissed before the tournament.

However, Naif Al-Thaqeel, a reporter for Saudi channel Al Arabiya, said officials at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation had categorically denied any plans to remove the manager.

The federation does have a contingency list featuring three coaches in case of an unexpected development, such as Donis resigning, Al-Thaqeel said. But he stressed that the list did not indicate an intention to sack him.

“Agents are also trying to market coaches,” Al-Thaqeel said. “Since the day after Saudi Arabia’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has received calls, messages and CVs from leading international managers, as well as mid-level and less well-known coaches.”

He added that such approaches were normal, but said the key consideration was whether the national team’s work was progressing according to the federation’s plans and targets.

“Everything is proceeding as usual, without any influence from these matters,” he said.

Al-Thaqeel also revealed that Donis had submitted a 30-page plan covering the period until the end of his contract on 31 July. The document will be used to assess his work, and the coach is continuing to follow it.

Training has also continued normally, with no apparent impact on the players from reports about a possible change in manager.

Donis dismisses speculation

Donis told Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah: “The rumours that emerge from time to time about my professional future with the Saudi national team do not concern me.”

“What matters to me now is developing the Green Falcons and focusing on the work. I have the experience to deal with what is being said about my professional future, and I will give my best to serve Saudi football,” he added.

His comments followed a statement from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, reported by Saudi broadcaster Al Ekhbariya, rejecting the possibility of his dismissal and confirming that he would remain in charge.

It was the second time the federation had denied reports of Donis’ departure, after issuing a similar denial in October.

Donis took over in April, replacing Frenchman Herve Renard just two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Saudi Arabia went out in the group stage after drawing 1-1 with Uruguay and 0-0 with Cape Verde, while losing 4-0 to Spain. They finished bottom of Group H with two points.

Despite that campaign, Donis led Saudi Arabia to their first trophy in 23 years by winning the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in October.

They won four of their five matches and prevailed in the other on penalties, scoring eight goals without conceding. Overall, Saudi Arabia have played 11 official and friendly matches under Donis, recording five wins, four draws and two defeats, scoring 13 goals and conceding seven.