DOHA: Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah on Saturday removed Prince Sultan Fahd as president of the Saudi Football Federation (SFF), as the ramifications from their dismal showing at the Asian Cup intensified.
The prince was relieved of his post as president of General Youth Welfare, which includes running the football federation as well as the country’s Olympic committee, according to a statement on the Saudi state news agency SPA.
His deputy, Prince Nawaf Faisal, was appointed in his place.
“We have removed Prince Sultan according to his request,” the statement said. “He is replaced and we announce that Prince Nawaf is taking over.”
The decision followed the three-time champions being unceremoniously dumped out of the Asian Cup on Friday, becoming the first team to exit the tournament.
Their 2-1 defeat by outsiders Syria was followed by the 1-0 loss to surprise package Jordan, leaving Saudi Arabia bottom of Group B with no points and out of the championships with one more game to go, against Japan today.
Furious Saudi fans booed the team off the pitch at the Al-Rayyan Stadium on Friday, with particular vitriol directed at hapless goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah, who was at fault for the Jordan goal.
It is only the second time in the history of the tournament that they have not made it to the knockout stages.
Prince Sultan’s removal caps a humiliating tournament for Saudi Arabia, who sacked their Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro after losing their opening match.
Saudi national Nasser Al Johar was given the unenviable task of leading the team.
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