Syrian coach Firas Al-Khatib has confirmed he will leave Al-Fahaheel SC at the end of the current season after a four-year tenure, he announced on social media March 19, 2026. The 42-year-old highlighted his dedication to the team and noted interest from local clubs as well as Syria’s national team, as Al-Fahaheel sits sixth in the Premier League with 18 points and advances in the Amir Cup, according to Arab Times.
In the post, Al-Khatib thanked Fahaheel president Hamad Al-Dabbous and team manager Khaled Abdulqaddous for their support during his time at the club. He extended his appreciation to the technical, administrative and medical staff as well as all the players for their professionalism and commitment. Al-Khatib expressed hope that the squad would keep up its performance and secure a positive result in the remaining fixtures.
Al-Khatib began his coaching career with assistant positions at Al-Nasr and Al-Salmiya after retiring as a player. He then managed Iraq’s Zakho SC in April 2022 before joining Al-Fahaheel in July of that year, according to his profile on Wikipedia. The Syrian has been at the helm for four seasons, during which he extended his contract in May 2024 until the end of the prior campaign.
Figures from Transfermarkt confirm that Al-Khatib was appointed on July 17, 2022, and has overseen the team’s development in the top division. The club has shown consistent improvement under his leadership with a current standing of sixth place and 18 points, three ahead of Al-Shabab. It has also competed in the domestic cups, reaching the Amir Cup quarterfinals against Al-Qadsia after a 2-0 loss to Al-Arabi in the Crown Prince Cup semifinal.
As a player, the 42-year-old featured for prominent Kuwaiti sides such as Al-Nasr, Al-Arabi, Al-Qadsia, Kuwait Club and Al-Salmiya. He earned 40 caps for the Syrian national team and scored 14 goals, Wikipedia data shows. Al-Khatib was a key figure in Al-Qadsia’s three Premier League titles and two Emir Cup wins between 2009 and 2012.
Arab Times reported that Al-Khatib had previously been approached by the Syrian federation. The announcement leaves Al-Fahaheel to plan its coaching future while the coach weighs options from interested local parties. The 2025-26 Kuwaiti Premier League table on Wikipedia lists Al-Fahaheel with six wins, three draws and nine losses through 18 matches.
