Saudi Arabia have sacked coach Edgardo Bauza just two months after appointing him and with just over half a year to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
In an official press release on Tuesday, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) confirmed that the Argentine had been relieved of his duties having only hired him on September 14.
? | #الاتحاد_السعودي_لكرة_القدم ينهي ارتباطه مع المدير الفني للمنتخب الأول الأرجنتيني إدغاردو باوزا pic.twitter.com/6AH2DSTmjZ
— الاتحاد السعودي لكرة القدم (@saudiFF) November 22, 2017
These latest events mark the continuation of a curious tale for a team that are expected to be firmly focused on preparing for their appearance at Russia 2018 next June.
The most embarrassing football federation strikes again. After allowing Van Marwijk to go despite qualifying to the WC. His replacement Bauza is sacked two months into the job. https://t.co/EDdhrqzrDT
— Abdullah Ibrahim (@Abdullah_GH) November 22, 2017
May 11 – Bauza appointed ?? boss.
September 5 – ?? miss out on World Cup,?? qualify.
September 14 – Bauza (4 games with ??) replaces Bert van Marwijk as ?? manager.
November 22 – Bauza sacked by ??(0 games in charge).What a difference six months and four games make. https://t.co/ObTm1h0PdU
— Barny Read (@BarnabyRead) November 22, 2017
Back in September, shortly after qualifying for the World Cup, the SAFF parted ways with Dutchman Bert van Marwijk and replaced him with Bauza, who – in accepting the offer – left his job with United Arab Emirates that he had only started four months earlier.
The Saudi FF in shambles. Sacked Bert Van Marwijk who took them to the World Cup while playing well. Hired Bauza whose record is rich with failures, then sacked Bauza. Baffling. https://t.co/EC0gUVuzxr
— Ahmed Wagih (@Ahmed__Wagih) November 22, 2017
But, having been at the helm for just three friendly games – two of which ended in defeats to Portugal and Bulgaria – Bauza has now shockingly been let go.
The former Argentina coach’s dismissal was not the only upheaval on Tuesday for an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) member currently preparing for the World Cup.
Earlier in the day, Australia coach Ange Postecoglou announced his resignation, claiming it was “the right time” exactly a week after the Socceroos beat Honduras to seal their qualification
.