Saudi Arabia’s Gulf Cup triumph leaves Georgios Donis facing an uncertain future

Saudi Arabia’s victory in the Arabian Gulf Cup has thrown the national team’s coaching plans into doubt, with reports claiming the Saudi Football Federation had already reached an agreement with Roberto Martinez before the tournament began.

Georgios Donis took charge of Saudi Arabia ahead of the 2026 World Cup, replacing Herve Renard. Although the Greek manager failed to guide the team beyond the group stage at the World Cup, he led them to their first Arabian Gulf Cup title in 23 years.

The success has now raised the possibility that Donis could remain in charge, despite the reported agreement with Martinez to take over before the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Badr Al-Ruzayza, president of the Saudi Football Federation, gave no firm indication about Donis’ position when asked about the manager’s future during the celebrations following the Gulf Cup victory.

Speaking to Saudi Sports Channel, Al-Ruzayza said he could not confirm whether the coaching staff would remain in place or be changed ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. He added that the decision rested with Matt Crocker, the federation’s technical director.

According to Saudi Sports Channel, the federation reached an agreement with Martinez before the start of the Gulf Cup, with the intention of appointing the Spanish coach to prepare Saudi Arabia for the Asian competition.

Commentator Ammar Bahakim said: “Badr Al-Ruzayza did not confirm that Donis will continue with the Saudi national team. According to our information, the Saudi Football Federation, through Matt Crocker, reached an agreement with the Spanish coach Roberto Martinez before the Gulf Cup.”

He added: “The question is whether Donis will continue, with Martinez being given an apology and the agreement cancelled, or whether Donis will leave now.”

Saudi Sports Channel reported that the team’s triumph, achieved on home soil, had reopened the case for Donis to stay. Al-Ruzayza is therefore understood to be considering two difficult options: retaining the Greek coach and ending the agreement with Martinez, or dismissing Donis despite his recent success and the trophy.

Donis is under contract with the Saudi Football Federation until the end of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Martinez has been without a contract since leaving his role as Portugal manager after their elimination by Spain at the 2026 World Cup. The former Belgium manager had also been linked with the vacant position at Al-Nassr, the club featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix, after the departure of Jorge Jesus.

However, talks did not result in a final agreement. Martinez has also previously been discussed as a possible candidate to manage the Netherlands national team.