Renard set to lead France women's football team after quitting Saudi Arabia post
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Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard (right) speaking to his players during a friendly football match against Bolivia on March 23.
PHOTO: AFP
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PARIS – Herve Renard has resigned as Saudi Arabia coach, the country’s football federation announced on Tuesday and is likely to take over as boss of the France women’s team.
The Frenchman, 54, took the Green Falcons to a memorable World Cup group-stage 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina in November. His departure was confirmed after Tuesday’s 2-1 friendly defeat by Bolivia.
“The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) board of directors has agreed on the contract termination of the head coach of the Saudi national team, Mr Herve Renard, upon his request,” the governing body said on Twitter.
“(Renard) has an offer from the French federation and expressed his desire to take this opportunity. The president of the board of directors of SAFF wishes Mr Renard every success in his future career.”
The two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with Zambia and Ivory Coast has been touted as the favourite to succeed Corinne Diacre before the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“Renard resigned and Saudi FA accepted it,” a source at the SAFF also said. “The match against Bolivia is his last as Saudi coach. We tried to dissuade him but he was determined to return to his country and lead a national team there.’‘
Renard, meanwhile, said that he felt he had taken Saudi Arabia as far as he could.
“I would like to thank everybody in Saudi for their support during almost four years,” he said.
“I think I did the maximum with the team. I can’t reach another level, so I prefer to be honest with everybody.”
The SAFF has said it will take its time in appointing a new coach and would not announce a successor until June at least, as their next match is in September.
The Saudis will be looking to win a fourth Asian Cup title at the continental championship in Qatar early in 2024.
Earlier in March, Diacre was sacked as France coach
France have four friendlies before starting their World Cup campaign against Jamaica in Sydney on July 23.
Ranked fifth in the world, Les Bleues will be looking to win a first World Cup at the global showpiece that will take place from July 20-Aug 20. AFP, REUTERS
