RIYADH — Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) President Yasser Al Misehal announced early Monday that he will not seek to continue in his position, accepting responsibility for the Green Falcons’ failure to advance to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after seven years at the helm of Saudi football.In a statement, Al Misehal said he bears “full responsibility” for the national team’s World Cup campaign, acknowledging that the result fell short of expectations and offering an apology to Saudi fans.He said his belief that accountability requires opening the door to a new phase led him to step aside before the end of the current board’s term.”In accordance with the applicable regulations and procedures, the process of opening nominations for the election of a new Board of Directors will begin,” he said.Al Misehal said the current board had done everything possible to serve Saudi football and fulfill the aspirations of the nation and its supporters, but stressed that the team’s failure to reach the next round of the World Cup required taking responsibility.Al Misehal concluded by saying he would remain a loyal servant of the Kingdom and continue supporting Saudi sport in any capacity, while wishing success to the next SAFF board.Saudi Arabia’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in the group stage after collecting two points from three matches. The Green Falcons opened with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay before suffering a 4-0 defeat to Spain and finishing with a goalless draw against tournament debutant Cape Verde, ending fourth in Group H.The result means Saudi Arabia has now failed to progress beyond the group stage in each of its last six World Cup appearances. The Kingdom’s only qualification for the knockout rounds remains its memorable run to the round of 16 at the 1994 World Cup in the United States during its tournament debut.RIYADH — Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) President Yasser Al Misehal announced early Monday that he will not seek to continue in his position, accepting responsibility for the Green Falcons’ failure to advance to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after seven years at the helm of Saudi football.In a statement, Al Misehal said he bears “full responsibility” for the national team’s World Cup campaign, acknowledging that the result fell short of expectations and offering an apology to Saudi fans.He said his belief that accountability requires opening the door to a new phase led him to step aside before the end of the current board’s term.”In accordance with the applicable regulations and procedures, the process of opening nominations for the election of a new Board of Directors will begin,” he said.Al Misehal said the current board had done everything possible to serve Saudi football and fulfill the aspirations of the nation and its supporters, but stressed that the team’s failure to reach the next round of the World Cup required taking responsibility.Al Misehal concluded by saying he would remain a loyal servant of the Kingdom and continue supporting Saudi sport in any capacity, while wishing success to the next SAFF board.Saudi Arabia’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in the group stage after collecting two points from three matches. The Green Falcons opened with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay before suffering a 4-0 defeat to Spain and finishing with a goalless draw against tournament debutant Cape Verde, ending fourth in Group H.The result means Saudi Arabia has now failed to progress beyond the group stage in each of its last six World Cup appearances. The Kingdom’s only qualification for the knockout rounds remains its memorable run to the round of 16 at the 1994 World Cup in the United States during its tournament debut.
SAFF chief steps down after Saudi World Cup exit
