A source within the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has denied reports that Spaniard Roberto Martinez has agreed to take charge of the national team. The former Belgium and Portugal coach had been linked with replacing Georgios Donis, who recently guided the Green Falcons to the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup title in Jeddah, Asharq Al-Awsat reported.

Several other sources gave the newspaper a conflicting account. They said a deal had been struck with Martinez before the Gulf Cup began. According to these sources, the federation's technical director, Matt Crocker, agreed a four-year contract with the Spaniard worth close to 13 million euros a year. They added that Donis's title win may now force a rethink and could lead the federation to abandon the deal.

A source in the national team's management said that, as far as he knew, Donis remained in his post. He added that he was unaware of any plans to end the Greek coach's contract.

The reports caused an uproar among Saudi fans on social media. The news broke only hours after the Gulf Cup triumph, which ended a 23-year wait for silverware. Many supporters called for Donis to stay, especially with the Asian Cup, which Saudi Arabia is hosting, only weeks away.

Donis succeeded Frenchman Herve Renard on a contract running until July 2027. In 11 matches under his leadership, Saudi Arabia have recorded five wins, all of them at the Gulf Cup, along with four draws and two defeats. They have scored 13 goals and conceded seven, with just one conceded during the Gulf tournament.