Herve Renard, who is expected to be approved as the head coach of France’s women’s team, has announced his resignation to Saudi Arabia.
Before the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand later this year, Renard, whose contract as the coach of Saudi Arabia would have expired in 2027, will take command of the French team.
The 54-year-old will take over as Les Bleues coach in place of Corinne Diacre. She has previously won the Africa Cup of Nations as a coach.
Diacre resigned from her position amid a player exodus regarding her leadership style and team dynamics.
In a statement on social media, the Saudi national team said: “The Saudi Arabian Football Federation Board of Directors has agreed on the contract termination of the Head Coach of the Saudi National Team Mr Herve Renard upon his request.
“A legal settlement has been reached to end the contract between the two parties.
“The President and Board of Directors of SAFF wish for Mr Renard every success in his future career.”
Renard took the post in 2019 and guided Saudi Arabia to their second successive World Cup finals, becoming the foreign-born manager with the most wins in the nation’s history.
He led Saudi Arabia to a shock 2-1 win over eventual champions Argentina in their first group game in Qatar, but defeats to Poland and Mexico meant they failed to reach the knock-out rounds.
#VIDEO: @Herve_Renard_HR thanks fans, supporters and the #Saudi government during his four-year tenure as coach of the @SaudiNT, says it was ‘never easy to take this kind of decision’ https://t.co/5myEdn3Ot5 pic.twitter.com/HOKkqNKF9d
— Arab News | Sport (@ArabNewsSport) March 29, 2023
Renard oversaw a 2-1 friendly defeat to Bolivia on Tuesday and later posted on social media: “Having been the coach of the national team of Saudi Arabia is a great pride for me.
“Since August 2019, I had the chance to be an integral part of the life of this beautiful country. I have seen this team grow alongside me and achieve a fabulous World Cup and this fantastic and unforgettable win against Argentina.
“Very proud to have been able to show to the world the progress and a good image of Saudi football. It’s time for me to fly to another horizon but with these memories engraved in me.”