Saudi football federation president resigns after World Cup exit

Saudi Arabia's football federation president, Yasser Al-Misehal, stepped down Sunday, citing the national team's disappointing performance and early elimination from the World Cup.

The Saudi team concluded their World Cup campaign at the bottom of Group H with just two points. They were eliminated after drawing with both Uruguay and Cape Verde and losing to Spain.

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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.

"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," Al-Misehal stated on social media. "I bear full responsibility for it, apologising to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position."

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I bear full responsibility for it, apologising to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position.

Al-Misehal, who had served as president for seven years, indicated his decision was driven by a conviction that "responsibility requires providing the opportunity for a new phase." His tenure included significant involvement in Saudi Arabia securing the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.

The team's performance came despite substantial government investment in the sport, including high-profile player signings like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior, aimed at elevating standards within the country. Preparations for the tournament were also disrupted by a coaching change less than two months before its start, with Herve Renard being replaced by Georgios Donis.

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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.