Saudi Arabian Football Federation chief Yasser Al-Misehal resigns after World Cup group-stage exit
RIYADH: Yasser Al-Misehal resigned as president of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) on Monday, taking responsibility for the national team’s early exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 and bringing an end to his seven-year tenure at the helm of Saudi football.
In a statement posted on X, Al-Misehal said the Green Falcons’ failure to reach the knockout stage had fallen far short of the ambitions of Saudi football and its supporters, and that he accepted full responsibility for the disappointing campaign.
He said stepping aside would allow for a new phase for Saudi football and confirmed that procedures would begin to open nominations for the election of a new board of directors in accordance with federation regulations.
Al-Misehal also expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support of Saudi football, as well as to Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and members of the federation’s board.
