Hervé Renard has been sacked as head coach of Saudi Arabia just days after the Ghana Football Association announced Carlos Queiroz as the country’s new Black Stars boss ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His second spell in charge was brought to an abrupt end, despite a contract until 2027, after the Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced his immediate departure.
The decision follows a poor run of results in the international window in March, which included a 4-0 defeat to Egypt and a 2-1 loss to Serbia. It is understood that the move comes amid concerns over team performances, direction, and squad cohesion.
Renard was heavily linked to the Ghana coaching job and was considered a front-runner to replace Otto Addo, but talks broke down due to his contractual commitments with Saudi Arabia.
Ghana chose Queiroz, giving him a short-term contract that lasts four months, until the end of the World Cup. There is a chance his contract could be extended after the tournament.
Still, Renard is seen as a long-term option for the GFA, and his availability after the World Cup could attract interest.
At 55, Renard has a strong record in African football, having won the Africa Cup of Nations with both Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire. He also has ties to Ghana, having worked with their technical team in 2008 and later leading Côte d’Ivoire to victory over Ghana in the 2015 AFCON final.
Georgios Donis is reportedly the top candidate to take over, and Saudi Arabia is expected to move quickly to name a new coach.
Many people will be watching to see what Renard does next, especially in Ghana, where his availability could still affect the Black Stars’ future plans.