Roberto Mancini will receive a whopping eight-figure compensation payout for the early termination of his contract as Saudi Arabia manager, according to reports.
The 59-year-old was sacked on Thursday after just 14 months in the role.
GettyRoberto Mancini’s stint in charge of Saudi Arabia came to an abrupt end on Thursday[/caption]
The former Manchester City boss, who was contracted until 2027, is currently negotiating the terms of his exit.
His appointment in August 2023 saw him pen a four-year deal but after just seven wins in his 18 games in charge, Saudi Arabia have wielded the axe on the 2012 Premier League title winning manager.
But now it appears that Mancini, whose contract made him the highest-paid manager in world football, will be handsomely compensated despite his struggles in the role.
The Italian is expected to receive a jaw-dropping £25m pay-off from the Saudi FA, according to Italian finance and football newspaper Calcio e Finanza.
His £21.5m a year salary saw him take home a staggering £1.79m per month, equating to £413,000-a-week.
The Euro 2020 winning coach was unable to improve the fortunes of the Arabian Falcons during his time in charge with his now former side currently third in their World Cup qualifying group.
Japan and Australia lead the way in Group C with four games played. Saudi Arabia have won one, drawn two and lost one of their qualifiers so far.
Fans were left frustrated after the recent goalless draw with Bahrain with Mancini seen arguing with some supporters.
Following the drab draw he said: “Sometimes I think the players have to take the responsibility.
“In my life, when I was a player, I took the responsibility because it’s easy to say it’s the coach’s fault. It’s too easy.
AFPMancini’s time in charge of Saudi Arabia was embroiled in controversies[/caption]
Mancini guided Man City to Premier League glory in 2012Getty Images – Getty
“But many times it’s not like this. Because when the coach teaches the team everything and they have improved as a team, after, some players have to put on the pitch some quality.
“If they don’t have it, it’s clear that it’s difficult.”
The Italian became embroiled in a number of controversies during his time in charge.
Prior to Saudi Arabia’s opening match at the Asian Cup in January, he dropped three of his star players because they allegedly wanted to choose which games to play in – a claim strongly denied by the trio.
During the tournament, Mancini was seen walking down the tunnel before South Korea had taken their final penalty in the shootout that saw Saudi Arabia crash out.
He later said: “I apologise for leaving early, I thought it had finished.”