Coming to the 2023 Asian Cup, the Saudi Arabian team did not have the strongest squad. Many players of the "Blue Falcons" reacted to the selection of players by coach Mancini and asked to be in the starting lineup even though they did not participate in the friendly matches before the tournament. The Italian coach also showed his toughness, eliminating the players who "made a mess" despite being criticized by fans and the Saudi Arabian media. With a serious loss in squad, being eliminated from the round of 16 by the Korean team was understandable.
Saudi Arabia eliminated after losing penalty shootout to South Korea
Before making a decision on the group of 6 players who affected the results of the Saudi Arabian team, SAFF released many videos related to the team's behind-the-scenes issues. Many videos showed the players practicing with a superficial attitude and not completing all the training plans required by the coaching staff. Many players of the Saudi Arabian team even expressed dissatisfaction and bluntly responded to the instructions of Coach Mancini.
SAFF issued a ruling: “SAFF will not tolerate any action that affects the team. We officially announce that Sultan Al Ghannam will be fined 200,000 riyals and Salman Al-Faraj 100,000 riyals, after it was proven that the two players did not want to join the Saudi Arabian team.
Goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi will be banned from all competitions for five months and fined 300,000 riyals for leaving the team. Players Mohamed Maran, Khaled Al Ghannam and Ali Hazazi, suspended for one month and fined 200,000 riyals each.
SAFF officially issues penalties for players who affect the team's unity and results
Goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi banned from all competitions for 5 months
Mr. Hussein Al Sadiq - Head of the Saudi Arabian team said in the program "Action with Walid" on February 13: "The Saudi Arabian team does not beg the players and I do not want to be prejudiced against them like this. Anyone who does not want to play for the Saudi Arabian team, feel free to leave the team.
SAFF's decisions are based on factual evidence. We must clarify that all meetings between Coach Mancini and the players were recorded on audio and video.
Salman Al Faraj expressed his wish in October 2023 that he did not want to participate in the Saudi Arabian national team and I asked him to retire from international football, but he remained silent and did not respond. Regarding Nawaf Al Aqidi, the goalkeeper coach informed Coach Mancini that Al Aqidi refused to stay in the national team and therefore his departure was approved. Coach Mancini informed Mohamed Maran that the list would be announced on January 2, but the player was determined to leave before that day. Such actions will disgrace Saudi football and are unacceptable.
Coach Mancini faces fierce reactions from Saudi Arabian players
Mr. Hussein Al Sadiq also affirmed that Coach Mancini always respects the players of the Saudi Arabian team: “Coach Mancini does not shout much, but he does a lot of actions. For example, after the first 4 friendly matches of the team, Coach Mancini informed the players about his dissatisfaction with the level of play. He was very calm and composed.”
According to the SAFF statement, coach Mancini still receives absolute trust. In the immediate future, the Italian coach will continue to watch matches in the Saudi Pro League and select the best players to prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
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