Prince Bin Turki calls for Renard’s removal ahead of World Cup

25/12/2025

RIYADH, Dec 25: Prince Faisal bin Turki, former president of Al-Nassr Club, has called for French coach Hervé Renard to be removed as head coach of the Saudi national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Bin Turki revealed that Renard had previously declined an offer to coach Al-Nassr.

Speaking on television, he criticized Renard’s leadership, saying, “I didn’t see a clear identity for the team in the Arab Cup. Yes, we won matches, but there was no defined style of play.”

On the timing ahead of the World Cup, he added, “It’s still possible to replace Renard. The team scores, but there’s no clear methodology, and the recent changes are unconvincing.”

He also questioned Renard’s decision to attend the 2026 World Cup draw during the Arab Cup, calling it illogical, and criticized his remark that Saudi Arabia hadn’t won a title in 22 years as inappropriate.

Bin Turki stressed, “We hired him to bring championships. Naturally, the Saudi team should have excelled in the Arab Gulf Cup, but that didn’t happen.”

He concluded by noting that he had once tried to bring Renard to Al-Nassr, but the coach was not interested at the time, adding, “Renard is more suited for national teams than clubs