RismadarVoice Reporters, July 4, 2026
The resignation of football administrators and national team coaches following disappointing performances at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup has renewed scrutiny of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), whose leadership has remained in office despite the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the tournament.
Across Europe, Africa and Asia, football authorities have taken responsibility for poor results, with several federation presidents and coaches stepping down after falling short of expectations.
In Italy, the country’s football federation president, Gabriele Gravina, resigned after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup. His departure followed calls from Italy’s Sports Minister for accountability after the four-time world champions were eliminated in the qualifying playoffs.
Gravina’s resignation was accompanied by those of national team delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon and head coach Gennaro Gattuso, who also accepted responsibility for the disappointing campaign.
Libya’s Football Federation president, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, also stepped down after the country’s unsuccessful World Cup qualification bid. He said he did not wish to remain in office following the team’s failure to reach the tournament.
Saudi Arabia witnessed a similar development after Football Federation president Yasser Al-Misehal resigned following the Green Falcons’ group-stage elimination. In announcing his decision, he accepted responsibility for the team’s performance and apologised to supporters.
Several national team coaches have also exited their positions during the tournament.
Tunisia parted ways with head coach Sabri Lamouchi after a heavy opening defeat to Sweden. Veteran French coach, Hervé Renard was appointed to salvage the campaign but was unable to prevent the Carthage Eagles from exiting the competition after losing all their group-stage matches.
Netherlands manager, Ronald Koeman resigned after his side suffered a shock Round of 32 defeat to Morocco, describing the decision as necessary following the disappointing outcome.
Scotland also began a new era after Steve Clarke stepped down following the country’s group-stage exit. Although his tenure ended on a disappointing note, the Scottish Football Association acknowledged his role in guiding the national team back to major international tournaments.
South Korea’s head coach, Hong Myung-bo, resigned shortly after his team’s elimination, accepting responsibility for the campaign and apologising to supporters.
Germany also joined the list of nations making coaching changes after Julian Nagelsmann left his position following the team’s dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the knockout stage.
The German Football Association thanked Nagelsmann for his service, despite his contract originally running until the 2028 UEFA European Championship.
With the World Cup entering its decisive stages, analysts believe more managerial changes could follow should traditional football powers fail to meet expectations.
The developments have sparked renewed debate in Nigeria, where critics argue that the absence of accountability within football administration has contributed to the Super Eagles’ failure to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
