Saudi Arabia reject reports Georgios Donis could be sacked after Asian Cup delay

Saudi Arabia have no plans to dismiss head coach Georgios Donis following the decision to postpone the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, according to Saudi journalist Badr Al-Saqri.

The Asian Football Confederation announced on Tuesday morning that the tournament, originally scheduled to begin in January 2027, will instead start in December of the same year.

Reports had suggested the Saudi Arabian Football Federation was considering replacing Donis and appointing a new coach to lead the national team at the tournament later next year.

However, Al-Saqri dismissed those claims during an appearance on the Nadina programme on MBC 1.

“I contacted officials at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to ask about Donis’ future, and they said they were not considering dismissing him at all,” Al-Saqri said.

“There is no consideration within the Saudi Arabian Football Federation of appointing a new coaching staff. If that were to happen, it would be madness, according to the same responsible source.”

Al-Saqri added that officials had confirmed Donis would remain in charge of Saudi Arabia for the Asian Cup, meaning there should be no difficulty in extending his contract before the competition begins.

“The officials confirmed that Donis will continue with the Saudi national team at the Asian tournament. Therefore, there will be no problem renewing his contract, which expires before the tournament, for an additional year,” he said.

Donis’ current agreement with Saudi Arabia expires at the end of July next year. That deadline had raised questions about whether he would remain in the role, particularly after earlier reports suggested he could be removed.

The Greek coach took charge of Saudi Arabia before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The team were eliminated in the group stage but subsequently won the Arabian Gulf Cup “Gulf 27” under Donis.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is therefore expected to retain the coach ahead of the rearranged Asian Cup, with the tournament now due to take place from December 2027 rather than January.