Saudi Football Federation Unveils Redesigned King's Cup

The winner of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup receives a prize of 10 million Saudi Riyals. - SPA
The winner of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup receives a prize of 10 million Saudi Riyals. - SPA
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Saudi Football Federation Unveils Redesigned King's Cup

The winner of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup receives a prize of 10 million Saudi Riyals. - SPA
The winner of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup receives a prize of 10 million Saudi Riyals. - SPA

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) revealed the newly redesigned trophy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup during a ceremony held in Riyadh. The event was attended by club representatives, athletes, and media personnel.

The new King's Cup is an evolution of the previous design that was introduced in the 2011-2012 season.

Its unveiling follows Al-Hilal club's achievement of winning the cup for the fourth time. Under the competition's regulations, a team that wins the cup three consecutive times or four times in total has the right to keep the original trophy, SPA reported.

The new precious cup draws inspiration from past editions, incorporating the same design concept that emphasizes the cup's historical significance and value in the region.

The new trophy is crafted from 925 sterling silver coated with 24-carat pure gold. It weighs 9.32 kg, symbolizing the year 1932 when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was unified.

The new King's Cup is adorned with a football-shaped piece coated in gold and malachite, featuring four distinct handles. In the center, the emblem of crossed swords and a palm tree represents the Kingdom. The cup's name is manually engraved in a circular pattern.

Standing at a height of 54 cm, with a base diameter of 17 cm and a width of 18 cm, the cup rests on a base made of marble and malachite.



Renard Back to Coach Saudi Arabia after Mancini Exits

France's head coach Herve Renard stands on the sidelines before a women's quarterfinal soccer match between France and Brazil, at La Beaujoire Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024, in Nantes, France. (AP)
France's head coach Herve Renard stands on the sidelines before a women's quarterfinal soccer match between France and Brazil, at La Beaujoire Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024, in Nantes, France. (AP)
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Renard Back to Coach Saudi Arabia after Mancini Exits

France's head coach Herve Renard stands on the sidelines before a women's quarterfinal soccer match between France and Brazil, at La Beaujoire Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024, in Nantes, France. (AP)
France's head coach Herve Renard stands on the sidelines before a women's quarterfinal soccer match between France and Brazil, at La Beaujoire Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024, in Nantes, France. (AP)

Herve Renard was hired to coach Saudi Arabia for a second time on Saturday, two days after the departure of Roberto Mancini.

“I'm back,” Renard said in a social media video posted by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation.

The Frenchman most recently coached France women to the Paris Olympics quarterfinals.

He was previously in charge of Saudi Arabia from 2019-23, a tenure that included a famous 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“I did not intend to leave (Saudi). But when your country knocks on your door you have to respond,” Renard said. “My connection with Saudi, the fans, the players and all the memories — I can never forget. I did not finish my story with Saudi.”

Renard’s contract will run until the end of 2025 with an option to extend until the 2027 Asian Cup, which will be hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time.

Mancini was hired by Saudi Arabia in August 2023 having led Italy to victory at the 2021 European Championship. But the serial trophy winner was quickly under pressure after an underwhelming Asian Cup in January and an exit in the round of 16.

In Asia’s third round of World Cup qualifying that started in September, Saudi Arabia has collected just five points from four games. This month at home it lost to Japan 2-0 and drew with Bahrain 0-0.

It left Saudi Arabia third place in the six-team group. The top two qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup while the third- and fourth-placed finishers progress to the fourth stage.

Renard’s first game back in charge is against Australia in Melbourne on Nov. 14.