January 9 – Monika Staab (pictured centre) has stepped down from her role as technical director of women’s football in Saudi Arabia, bringing her role in building the country’s women’s team to an end.
A veteran of the game, the German spent three years in Saudi Arabia, first as manager of the women’s national team and then as technical director of women’s football at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).
“We bid farewell to Monika and thank her for helping to transform women’s football across Saudi Arabia,” said SAFF vice-president Lamia Bahaian.
“Her vision, passion and tenacity have inspired us all. There are young girls across Saudi Arabia now playing football at all levels thanks to the work she has done and the impact she’s had. Although her time with SAFF has drawn to a close, her legacy will continue for generations.”
Staab led Saudi Arabia in their first-ever international, a 2-0 victory against the Seychelles in February 2022. She introduced the U-17 and the U-20 women’s national teams. The Saudi women entered the FIFA ranking and are now preparing to embark on the qualifying campaign for the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup.
Staab previously managed Bahrain and Qatar. In Doha, her mission to build a national team was unsuccessful. The 2022 World Cup hosts still don’t have a functional women’s team.
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