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Take two: the Saudi Federation responds to Donis's departure

What is the truth about the Greek coach's departure?

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has once again responded to reports suggesting that Greece's Georgios Donis, head coach of the Saudi Arabian national team, would leave his post before the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Saudi media figure Abdulrahman Al-Humaidi, who presents the "Nadina" programme on "MBC 1", had put the chances of Donis leaving his post at 99%.

The federation told Saudi Arabia's "Al-Ekhbariya" channel that those reports were false. The Greek coach, they insisted, will stay on to lead Saudi Arabia in the coming period.

It is the second time the federation has shot down talk of Donis's exit, having already done so last October.

Some reports had claimed the Saudi federation intended to sign Spain's Roberto Martinez, the former Portugal boss, to lead the team at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in place of Donis.

Those claims sparked real anger across the Saudi football scene, especially with so little time left before the Asian tournament, and prompted the federation to issue a denial.

Then came the postponement of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup from January to December next year. The extra time reignited the debate over whether Donis might be sacked.

Donis took charge of the Saudi Arabian national team last April, succeeding French coach Herve Renard, just two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, which they exited in the first round.

Even so, the Greek coach steered Saudi Arabia to their first title in 23 years, winning the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup, "Gulf 27", last October.

This article first appeared on Goal.com and was syndicated with permission.

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