The federation said the resignation was tendered in an expression of respect to Saudi people and following the desire of Prince Nawaf bin Faisal, chairman of the federation, and its board members. It said the move was aimed at giving chance for change and development, the SPA reported. A temporary management, chaired by Ahmed bin Eid Al-Harbi, has been set up to run the federation’s affairs until a new board is elected by the federation’s general assembly.

The Saudis led Australia 2-1 at half-time, but conceded three goals in four minutes to go down 4-2 as the Socceroos cemented their position at the top of Group D.