SAFF signs agreement with French Football Federation to develop coaches’ programs

SAFF signs agreement with French Football Federation to develop coaches’ programs
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The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has signed a three-year cooperation agreement with the French Football Federation to support development programs of Saudi coaches. (SAFF)
SAFF signs agreement with French Football Federation to develop coaches’ programs
2 / 2
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has signed a three-year cooperation agreement with the French Football Federation to support development programs of Saudi coaches. (SAFF)
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Updated 20 September 2023
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SAFF signs agreement with French Football Federation to develop coaches’ programs

SAFF signs agreement with French Football Federation to develop coaches’ programs
  • Al-Misehal: ‘It comes as a continuation of the development of Saudi football in a way that enhances its presence on the global scene’
  • Diallo praised strengthening of cooperation with Saudi counterpart in a way that serves football

PARIS: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has signed a three-year cooperation agreement with the French Football Federation to support development programs of Saudi coaches.
SAFF’s President Yasser Al-Misehal and his French counterpart Philippe Diallo signed the agreement in Paris, said a media statement issued on Wednesday.
Al-Misehal confirmed that the agreement comes as an extension of the distinguished relations between the two federations.
He said: “It comes as a continuation of the development of Saudi football in a way that enhances its presence on the global scene and benefits from advanced federations.”
Meanwhile, Diallo praised the strengthening of cooperation with his Saudi counterpart in a way that serves football in both countries, and contributes to the growth of the game globally.
The Saudi federation’s deputy president, Lamia Bahaian, and Laura Georges, the general secretary of the French federation, were also present during the signing ceremony in addition to Nasser Larguet, SAFF’s technical director.
The agreement aims to develop coaching programs for Saudi male and female coaches.
Over a period of three years, seven separate training programs will be provided, which include the professional training program, elite youth coaches program, physical fitness coaches program, goalkeeper coaches program, as well as defensive and offensive line coaches’ programs, and football directors program.


Saudi player in ICU after falling from Dubai balcony

Saudi player in ICU after falling from Dubai balcony
Updated 15 September 2024
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Saudi player in ICU after falling from Dubai balcony

Saudi player in ICU after falling from Dubai balcony
  • Officers are investigating the accident

DUBAI: Saudi football player Fahad Al-Muwallad has been admitted to the intensive care after falling from the second-floor balcony of his vacation home in Dubai, the emirate’s police said in a statement.

Officers are investigating the accident, said the Dubai Police.

 

 

The Al-Shabab star’s health condition is under supervision at a Dubai hospital where “medical teams are providing the necessary healthcare,” the police said.

Al Muwallad is a winger for Al-Shabab Saudi club in Riyadh and in the Saudi national team.


Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo thanks fans after amassing a billion followers across social media

Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo thanks fans after amassing a billion followers across social media
Updated 13 September 2024
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Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo thanks fans after amassing a billion followers across social media

Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo thanks fans after amassing a billion followers across social media
  • The Al-Nassr captain said he has always appreciated those who supported him during his rise to stardom

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated reaching another milestone in his career on Friday, this time off the pitch, as the Al-Nassr star said he now has a billion followers across social media channels.

The Portuguese striker took to social media to thank his fans who made it possible.

“We’ve made history — 1 BILLION followers! This is more than just a number - it’s a testament to our shared passion, drive, and love for the game and beyond,” he wrote.

The Al-Nassr captain said he has always appreciated those who supported him during his rise to stardom.

“From the streets of Madeira to the biggest stages in the world, I’ve always played for my family and for you, and now 1 billion of us stand together.”

He shared a collage of photos depicting his career with clubs such as Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid, and his current side Al-Nassr. But the biggest image is that of the legend wearing the iconic ruby red jersey of Portugal, who he led to a European championship win in 2016. The artwork also includes his family and selfies with fans over the years.

“You’ve been with me every step of the way, through all the highs and the lows,” Ronaldo wrote. “This journey is our journey, and together, we’ve shown that there are no limits to what we can achieve.”

The player has 639 million followers on Instagram, 170 million on Facebook, and 113 million on X, formally known as Twitter, and 60 million on the video platform YouTube. He also has another 9 million on the Chinese network Weibo and has a presence on Kuaishou.

In August, the star shattered the YouTube record for the fastest-growing channel, achieving a milestone just hours after its launch.

“Thank you for believing in me, for your support, and for being part of my life. The best is yet to come, and we’ll keep pushing, winning, and making history together,” he wrote.

In another remarkable milestone, Ronaldo became the first player in football history to score 900 goals, for club and country combined. The player achieved the feat a week ago with a tap-in against Croatia playing in the Nations League.

The footballing legend moved to Saudi Arabia in 2022 and has made even more fans in the Kingdom after his transfer to the Riyadh-based Al-Nassr, who have embraced him as one of their own.

He broke the record for the number of goals scored in a season by a player in Saudi Arabia’s top league, netting 35 in the 2023/2024 contest.

 


Herve Renard approached for Saudi return, report suggests

Herve Renard approached for Saudi return, report suggests
Updated 12 September 2024
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Herve Renard approached for Saudi return, report suggests

Herve Renard approached for Saudi return, report suggests
  • Al-Arabiya post on X claims the Frenchman, who delivered a 2-1 win over Argentina at Qatar 2022, could be in line to replace Roberto Mancini if the Italian coach leaves
  • Renard left his post in 2023 to become coach of the France women’s national team ahead of the FIFA women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand

RIYADH: A post by Al-Arabiya on X, formerly Twitter, is suggesting that the former Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard could be lined up for a sensational return to the role that saw him lead the Green Falcons to a shock 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The post, on the broadcaster’s Arabic account of the program “FilMarma,” follows Saudi’s first two Third Round Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which saw a return of four points from a 1-1 draw with Indonesia at home and a late 2-1 win in China.

An approach for Renard would indicate that the Saudi team’s form under current coach Roberto Mancini remains unconvincing, particularly after a disappointing AFC Asian Cup campaign earlier this year in Qatar.

Renard managed the Saudi national team from 2019 to 2023, with the Frenchman comfortably securing qualification to Qatar 2022 before delivering the famous win at Lusail Stadium against eventual champions Argentina, for whom Lionel Messi had given a 1-0 half-time lead. Two early second-half goals by Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari completed the turnaround for Saudi Arabia.

Renard left his post in 2023 to become coach of the France women’s national team ahead of the FIFA women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.

Mancini took over as manager of Saudi Arabia in August 2023.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has not commented on the report. 


Late Kadesh winner puts Saudi Arabia back on World Cup path

Late Kadesh winner puts Saudi Arabia back on World Cup path
Updated 10 September 2024
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Late Kadesh winner puts Saudi Arabia back on World Cup path

Late Kadesh winner puts Saudi Arabia back on World Cup path
  • Victory looked unlikely after 20 minutes with China a goal up and Saudis a man down

DALIAN: Unlikely hero Hassan Kadesh put Saudi Arabia back on track for 2026 World Cup qualification with a late goal that saw them beat China 2-1.

Roberto Mancini has coached some top-class talent in his career but — Sergio Aguero aside — he can rarely have had such cause to hug one of his players at the end of a game. The Al-Ittihad defender, having never previously scored for his country, has now notched up two goals.

It wasn’t pretty, but it was exactly what the Green Falcons needed after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Indonesia five days ago. It was exactly what under-fire Mancini needed too.

The win was looking unlikely when, after 20 minutes, Dalian was rocking — China were a goal up, and the Saudis were a man down. But the visitors dug in and then fought hard until the end. 

Kadesh’s heroics mean Saudi Arabia has four points from the opening two games. However, they still have much to do if they are to finish in the top two of Group C and automatically book a spot at the 2026 tournament,

The opening goal could not have been simpler for a Chinese team thrashed 7-0 by Japan last Thursday. Brazilian-born Fernandinho sent over a corner kick from the right and, at the edge of a crowded six-yard box, the ball hit the jumping Ali Lajami before finding the back of the net. 

Noise levels from the 48,000 home fans rose dramatically and things got even worse for Saudi Arabia soon after. On his back and on the floor, Kanno kicked out at Jiang Shenglong’s chest and was swiftly shown the red card.

Saudi Arabia were shaken but stirred themselves to hit back and take something from the game. Seven minutes before the break, they were back on level terms.

Nasser Al-Dawsari whipped in a delightful cross from a corner to find Kadesh at the near post, whose delightful low header hit the Chinese net and silenced the home crowd. Soon after, Al-Dawsari fired wide, and Saudi hearts were in their mouths as, almost on half-time, Wu Lei headed outside the post with Mohammed Al-Owais able only to stand, watch and hope.

Another Chinese corner caused chaos early in the second half, with Wang Shangyuan heading the ball home from close range. However, a VAR check led to the goal being rules offside.

Just after the hour there was nearly more good news when Salem Al-Dawsari, who always seemed to feel the game was there to be won, burst free of the red defense. The away fans behind the goal were ready to celebrate but, somehow, the Al-Hilal star hit the crossbar and the ball bounced away.

A penalty call, also by Al-Dawsari, was waved away and China came close with just 15 minutes left, Al-Owais getting down to push away a curling shot from Li Lei.

As the final whistle approached the game started to drift and a draw seemed certain. But in the final minute, Saudi Arabia got another corner and there was an unmarked Kadesh, powerfully heading the ball home high into the net for his second goal of both the game and his international career.

China never really looked like scoring again, and the final whistle found the hero of the hour and his teammates jumping up and down as they celebrated the win.

Saudi Arabia will face Japan on Oct. 10 for their next 2026 World Cup qualifying match.


Mancini says Saudi Falcons ready for match against China in Asian 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Mancini says Saudi Falcons ready for match against China in Asian 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Updated 09 September 2024
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Mancini says Saudi Falcons ready for match against China in Asian 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Mancini says Saudi Falcons ready for match against China in Asian 2026 World Cup qualifiers

RIYADH: Saudi national football team manager Roberto Mancini spoke at a press conference on Monday about the Green Team’s preparations for the upcoming match against China in the second round of the third stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

He said: “The Chinese team has a good squad despite their recent loss against the Japanese team. I expect that the Chinese team will be better than the last match tomorrow, so we must be prepared well and take advantage of all opportunities.

“We are training intensively on scoring, and we must continue to create opportunities. I am confident that we will make better use of chances in the upcoming matches.

“Our match against the Chinese national team will be different for both teams. I hope our performance will be the same as it was in the second half of the last match and that we will create opportunities and score.”

Player Saleh Al-Shehri also addressed the match, saying: “It will be a tough match. We must be well-prepared tomorrow and work hard because the match will not be easy.”