Roberto Mancini sacked by Saudi Arabia
An unconfirmed reports have emerged that former Saudi Arabia national team coach Roberto Mancini was stabbed at a hotel in Riyadh, just hours after his departure from the role was announced. Sources indicate that a young man, allegedly in his late 20s, attacked the 59-year-old Italian manager in the back while he was at the hotel lounge. The incident reportedly took place shortly after the news broke that Mancini had parted ways with Saudi Arabia by mutual agreement.
Details of the stabbing are still unclear, and as of now, there has been no official confirmation from either Saudi authorities or Mancini’s representatives. However, multiple sources close to the situation have suggested that the incident occurred as tensions ran high following Saudi Arabia’s struggles in recent World Cup qualifiers. The identity of the assailant remains unknown, and his motives are still under investigation. Some have speculated that the attack may have been linked to growing frustrations among fans over the national team’s disappointing performances under Mancini’s leadership.
Mancini, who took charge of the Saudi Arabian team just 14 months ago, had been under immense pressure after a string of underwhelming results. Despite his high-profile appointment and a lucrative contract reportedly worth $150 million AUD, the Italian coach failed to lead the team to the level of success expected by Saudi football officials and fans. Most notably, Saudi Arabia was knocked out of the Asian Cup in the round of 16 earlier this year, and recent struggles in the World Cup qualifying campaign have left the team in a precarious position, tied on points with Australia and Bahrain, and significantly trailing group leaders Japan.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced on Thursday that Mancini had left his position by mutual agreement, marking the end of his turbulent tenure as head coach. Mancini’s time in charge was marked by tension both on and off the pitch, with reports of disagreements with players and public criticism of the Saudi Pro League’s reliance on foreign stars, which he claimed limited opportunities for homegrown talent.
According to the unconfirmed reports, the young man who allegedly attacked Mancini had been waiting for him at the hotel lounge, possibly lying in wait following the announcement of the coach’s dismissal. The nature of Mancini’s injuries has not yet been clarified, and it is unknown whether he was taken to a hospital for treatment. The story is still developing, and there is much speculation surrounding the incident, which has shocked both the footballing world and Saudi Arabia’s fanbase.
If confirmed, this attack would be a deeply troubling escalation of the frustrations and emotions that have surrounded the national team’s recent struggles. Saudi authorities are likely to launch a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, as well as the background of the alleged attacker. Meanwhile, fans and officials alike are eagerly awaiting updates on Mancini’s condition and further details regarding the incident.
This developing story has cast a shadow over what was already a turbulent period for Saudi football, and with crucial World Cup qualifiers looming, the focus has now shifted to ensuring both the safety of those involved and the future leadership of the national team. More information is expected to be released as the situation unfolds.