Former Saudi international Khamis Al-Owairan, 46, dies after cancer battle

Midfielder played for Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad

Khamis Al-Owairan is seen before the Gulf Cup 2002 match between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in Riyadh, KSA on 16 January, 2002. Getty

Spain's Raul Blanco Gonzalez (R) collides with Saudi Arabia's Khamis Al-Dossari as he goes for a header during the first half of their Olympic soccer Group B match at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, 20 July, 1996. Spain won the game 1-0. AFP

Khamis Al-Owairan is seen in action against Abdul Aziz at the Gulf Cup 2002 match between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in Riyadh, KSA on 16 January, 2002. Getty Images

Thierry Henry of France (left) tries to get around Khamis Al-Owairan of Saudi Arabia (right) during the World Cup France 98 - Group C match bewteen France and Saudi Arabia on 18 June, 1998. Getty

Khamis Al-Owairan stops a run on goal from England's Alan Shearer during their friendly International at Wembley Stadium in May 1998. PA

Brian Laudrup of Denmark (right) takes on Khamis Al-Owairan of Saudi Arabia in the World Cup group C game at the Felix Bollaert Stadium in Lens, France on 12 June, 1998. Getty

Teddy Sheringham of England is watched by Khamis Al-Owairan of Saudi Arabia during the International Friendly at Wembley in London in May 1998. Getty

The former Saudi Arabia international Khamis Al-Owairan has died at the age of 46 after a battle with cancer, it was reported.

Midfielder Al-Owairan played for Al-Hilal between 1997 and 2001, after which he moved to Al-Ittihad and stayed until 2007, before announcing his retirement from football.

Al-Owairan starred for the Saudi national team for ten years between 1994 and 2004, playing in the World Cup in 1998 and 2002, as well as the 1996 Olympics, winning 102 caps.