“The management of the club and coach Felix Sanchez have agreed to terminate the contract by compromise between the two parties, and as of today, assistant coach Sergio Alegre will take over the responsibility of coaching the team until a new coach is appointed,” said the club in a statement released on Wednesday.

While Sanchez led Al Sadd to the 2024/25 Qatar Stars League and Qatar Cup double, his departure comes after a difficult start to the ongoing season with the 18-time champions currently sitting in mid-table - having only won two of their opening six matches.

Al Sadd’s struggles also extended to the continental stage, with the 2011 title winners' draws with Iraq’s Al Shorta and Sharjah FC of the United Arab Emirates seeing them in seventh spot in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 League Stage West.

Al Sadd face a tough Matchday Three as they travel to face Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC who are leading the West standings with a perfect six points.