Source:
Reuters/IBraheem Al Omari
[Saba
Sports News] According to Saudi media reports, during the ongoing Asian Cup
events, three Saudi players named Farajie, Ganam, and Agidi claimed that they
should have been included in the starting lineup but ended up not playing. This
incident sparked discussions in the media. After the game, the current coach of
the Saudi national team, Roberto Mancini, addressed the issue in an interview.
Mancini expressed a different perspective, stating that the three claimed to be
a starting player, but ultimately, he is the coach and the one who makes
decisions. Mancini mentioned that he asked the players two or three times if
they still wanted to play for the national team, but their answers were
negative. It was their decision not to participate, not his. Following this,
Faraj, Ganam, and Ajidi were excluded from the Saudi team’s Asian Cup squad.
The Saudi Football Association’s Professional Committee is conducting an
investigation, and the results of the disciplinary action against the three
players are expected to be announced after the Asian Cup, with a possibility of
suspension.