Roberto Mancini left the field before the official decision of the penalty shootout against South Korea in the 16-final of the Asian Cup. The match between Saudi Arabia and South Korea ended 1-1 in regular and extra time.

Former Saudi football star Yasser Al-Qahtani described Manchetti's behavior as "flight and cowardice" The Saudi Football Association announced at the end of August the appointment of Mancotti as coach of the first team until 2027, succeeding Frenchman Hervé Renard.