Saudi Arabian Football Federation pays tribute to outgoing women’s national team head coach Rosa Lappi-Seppälä

2023-10-24
19:27:11

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 24 October 2023: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has paid tribute to women’s national head coach Rosa Lappi-Seppälä following an announcement that the former Finland international will be departing her role by mutual consent.

Lappi-Seppälähas overseen another instrumental period of development for the women’s national team, bringing with her wealth of experience that has helped develop the squad both on and off the pitch.

Since taking over from current Women’s Football Technical Director Monika Stabb, Lappi-Seppälä oversaw two draws against Palestine, a side ranked 38 places higher in the FIFA world ranking, and consecutive fixtures against Andorra before leading the women’s national team in the second edition of the Women’s International Friendly Tournament, hosted in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

The team’s run to the semi-final, which included impressive performances against Pakistan and Malaysia, laid new foundations from which to build through 2024 and beyond, while also attracting new audiences to the women’s game and inspiring countless girls and young women across the Kingdom.

Lamia Bahaian, Vice President of SAFF, said: “Everyone at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation family expresses their sincere thanks and appreciation to Rosa for her commitment, efforts, and contributions during her time as head coach. Having enjoyed success as both a player and a coach in her career, Rosa’s insights and tactical knowledge were had a very big positive impact on our players.. She’s led the team during a monumental period for women’s football in Saudi Arabia and she’ll be remembered fondly for playing a key part in this stage of our evolution. We all wish Rosa the very best in the future.”

Aalia Abdulaziz AlRasheed, Head of the Women’s Football Department at SAFF, added: “Rosa has been a pivotal part of our national team’s recent development. She was a key member of the coaching staff when we won our first-ever championship in the first edition of the Women’s International Friendly Tournament before her appointment as head coach. Since then she’s been a source of inspiration for all of our players, demonstrating exemplary leadership in our matches both at home and abroad. Rosa will always be a part of women’s football history here in Saudi Arabia and we wish her well for the future.”

Lappi-Seppälä’s departure means SAFF will confirm a new head coach in due course. A recruitment process is already underway, and an announcement will be made when it’s concluded.

The national team squad will not regroup until January 2024 for a training camp, after spending 7 weeks competing across the Kingdom in the SAFF Women's Premier League.