After helping Saudi Arabia achieve a record-breaking World Cup victory over Argentina, former manager Herve Renard has signed a deal to become the new head coach of the French women’s national team.
On Tuesday, May 28, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced that Renard had requested the termination of his contract.
The SAFF also disclosed that the French Football Federation had extended an offer to the 54-year-old to coach the women’s national team.
SAFF president Yasser Al-Misehal stated, “[Renard] has an offer from the French Federation and expressed his desire to take this opportunity.”
“We were informed four days before the current international window and I received a letter from the French Federation, and consulted with the board of directors and we decided to accept this request,” he added.
Renard will step in to replace Corinne Diacre, who was dismissed after several key players in the French team announced their refusal to represent the country under her leadership.
His appointment will see him lead the team in this year’s Women’s World Cup scheduled from 20 July to 20 August in Australia and New Zealand.
Reward for his successful coaching career, Renard guided Saudi Arabia to an unexpected 2-1 victory against Argentina at the last year’s World Cup in Qatar. He had also led Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire to the Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2012 and 2015.
