Head Coach of the Saudi Arabia Football team, Herve Renard, has had his contract terminated by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) to enable him to take up a new role as head coach of the France Women’s team ahead of the Women’s World Cup.

Renard had been appointed as the Saudi Arabia coach in 2019 and led the team to a historic win against eventual champions Argentina in the 2022 World Cup.

SAFF confirmed the termination of his contract at his request and wished him success in his future career.

“[Renard] has an offer from the French federation and expressed his desire to take this opportunity,” SAFF president Yasser Al Misehal told Saudi Sports Channel (SSC).

“We were informed four days before the current international window and I received a letter from the French Federation, and consulted with a number of members of the board of directors, and we decided to accept this request.”

Renard takes over from Corinne Diacre as France Women’s coach, who was sacked earlier this month following a disagreement with the team captain.

Ranked fifth in the world, France is hoping to win their first World Cup this year. Renard’s last game in charge of Saudi Arabia ended in defeat.

“I would like to thank everybody in Saudi for their support during almost four years,” Renard told reporters.

“I think I did the maximum with the team. I can’t reach another level so I prefer to be honest with everybody. Thank you again, it was fantastic time.”

SAFF will take its time to appoint Renard’s successor ahead of the team’s next game in September.

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