The Saudi Al Hilal board has decided to sack Argentinean coach Gabriel Calderon ahead of the club’s crucial game with Al Ittihad in the second leg of the Saudi King Cup of Champions on Sunday, according to reports.

It was reported in the Saudi local newspapers on Saturday that the club decided to fire the 51-year-old coach following the team’s recent humble results, while other sources claimed that the decision came after a dispute with the club management.

The Saudi league title holders were knocked out from the ACL Asian Champions League after a heavy 3-1 defeat against Al Ittihad last month. They were also recently thrashed 3-0 by the same team in the first leg of the Saudi King Cup of Champions.

Football director Samy El Gaber, who was appointed as a caretaker coach, will lead the team against Al Ittihad on Sunday.

Recent reports in Saudi Arabia claimed that Al Hilal board decided not permanently take on Ahmed Ali, who is on a loan deal from Egypt’s Ismaily.

Calderon was full of praise for the Pharaohs star in various occasions for his instrumental role in Al Hilal since joining them last January, but Calderon's departure may eliminate any hope the 22-year-old player may have had of remaining with the team.