Saudi Football Federation confirms Georgios Donis will remain in charge

The Saudi Football Federation has confirmed that Georgios Donis will continue as head coach of Saudi Arabia, ending speculation over his future and opening the possibility of him leading the team at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

A federation source told Al-Riyadiyah on Saturday that the Greek coach would remain in his role. His current contract is due to expire in July, following the rescheduling of the continental tournament.

Donis had addressed the uncertainty after Saudi Arabia beat South Korea 3-2 in a friendly at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Friday.

“You know that I am a straightforward person. I am not an ordinary coach; I am an integral part of Saudi Arabia and I have had many experiences there,” he said.

“After the Asian Cup was postponed, I told my technical staff that our contract would end before the tournament’s new date. Some people then began circulating the names of major coaches, but those rumours were completely unhelpful.

“Even after returning from Jeddah, a Greek friend in NEOM told me there were reports that I had been dismissed after the Gulf Cup. Yet here I am today, still with the national team.”

Donis said the rumours had not affected him personally but had created problems within the squad.

“Rumours do not affect me personally, but they harm the dressing room. Those around us understand the scale of our work, and what is being said is unfair to us,” he added.

Discussing the next stage of his plans, Donis said: “If Donis is the coach, then we must work. If I am not, I will continue supporting the national team and working from the heart for this country.”

Donis outlines Saudi Arabia plans

The 55-year-old said he had already prepared a detailed plan for the team’s development.

“My plan is ready and I have explained it to everyone. There will be special meetings with the national-team coaching staffs. We will improve step by step, and we have a new generation with all the ingredients for success,” he said.

Donis has also prepared a training camp for Saudi Arabia next March, followed by participation in the CONCACAF Gold Cup as part of the team’s preparations for future commitments.

The victory over South Korea came only days after reports suggested Donis could leave. His position had been questioned despite him guiding Saudi Arabia to the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup – Gulf 27 – in Jeddah five weeks ago, ending a 23-year wait for a trophy.

Some critics argued that success reflected the strength of Saudi Arabia’s players rather than Donis’s work, pointing to the team’s group-stage elimination at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. They said his record would be tested more fully in demanding matches such as the South Korea fixture.

The win was Saudi Arabia’s first against South Korea in 21 years.

It was the 12th match under Donis, who took charge in April. His record stands at six wins, four draws and two defeats, with Saudi Arabia scoring 16 goals and conceding nine.