In Saudi Arabia’s stellar football year, federation boss sees 2034 World Cup fueling more rapid change

In Saudi Arabia’s stellar football year, federation boss sees 2034 World Cup fueling more rapid change
Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al- Misehal said in an interview that sport and society in the Kingdom are going through transformational changes ahead of staging soccer’s biggest event in 2034. (File/AFP)
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Updated 19 September 2024
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In Saudi Arabia’s stellar football year, federation boss sees 2034 World Cup fueling more rapid change

In Saudi Arabia’s stellar football year, federation boss sees 2034 World Cup fueling more rapid change
  • Al-Misehal: We are trying to do everything for our people, for our economy and also we want to host as many people from all different places in the world
  • The Club World Cup final Friday closes the first FIFA tournament played in Saudi Arabia this century, and just weeks after the biggest hosting prize was all-but guaranteed

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in football were made stunning and clear in 2023, and its upcoming 11-year journey toward hosting the men’s World Cup promises much more of the same.

In an interview Thursday with The Associated Press, Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal said sport and society in the Kingdom are going through transformational changes ahead of staging football’s biggest event in 2034.

“We are trying to do everything for our people, for our economy and also we want to host as many people from all different places in the world,” Al-Misehal said.

Football has taken a prominent place in the Vision 2030 plan launched in 2016 to modernize the Saudi economy and society for a future beyond the oil production that fuels its wealth.

The program was driven from its start by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Saudis’ statement year in football started with hiring of Cristiano Ronaldo to a Saudi club and is ending with the current best team, Manchester City, playing for a title in Jeddah.

The Club World Cup final Friday closes the first FIFA tournament played in Saudi Arabia this century, and just weeks after the biggest hosting prize was all-but guaranteed.

FIFA fast-tracked finding a host for the 2034 World Cup in October and within days there was only one candidate.

The final FIFA decision must wait until late next year, but there is little doubt Saudi Arabia will add the 2034 World Cup to hosting the 2027 Asian Cup in men’s football and up to five straight editions of the Asian Champions League finals mini-tournaments through 2029.

One question for future years is if all 104 games at the World Cup will be played in Saudi stadiums — or will neighboring and nearby states be given some games to host.

Such an expansion would fit a pattern for bold plans from the crown prince and FIFA President Gianni Infantino who have built a close working relationship.

“The answer is that it’s going to be Saudi-only,” Al-Misehal said, noting that with “a lot of cities and a lot of stadiums that we have, our plan now is just to be a sole host.”

The size of Saudi Arabia compared to neighboring Qatar, which hosted a 64-game World Cup last year almost entirely in the city of Doha connected by metro lines, can be a key difference between the two tournaments.

“You will find different cultures, different people, different atmosphere,” Al-Misehal said of his home country, adding Qatar “did a great job. Logistics-wise it was perfect.”

“We welcome everybody, we respect everyone but at the same time we have our own values, our own culture,” Al-Misehal said. “Wherever we travel we always respect the values and culture of people that we see abroad and we expect the same from our visitors.”

The pace of recent reforms in Saudi society, he suggests, has been “much, much more than what we’ve done in the last 80 years.”

The pace of change in football has been remarkable.

Ronaldo’s arrival in January as a free agent on a reported $200 million annual pay deal was the spark for lavish recruitment from European clubs that cost about $900 million in transfer fees alone. The coach of European champion Italy, Roberto Mancini, was lured over to the Saudi national team.

More high-end offers at the top of the transfer market are expected in January, likely from the same clubs now majority-owned by the $700 billion Public Investment Fund.

“I have been approached personally by several clubs from different parts of the world offering to transfer their players,” Al-Misehal said, noting the deals are welcomed by the selling clubs for their own investment plans.

The spending, he suggests, is part of a coherent plan to improve stadiums and grassroots venues for boys and girls inspired by seeing the likes Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema play for their local clubs.

Any male players aged from seven to 25 today can think of being part of the host national team at the 2034 World Cup, Al-Misehal said.

“This shows exactly that we are in a transformational stage.”


NEOM Sports Club appoint Alex Leitao as CEO

NEOM Sports Club appoint Alex Leitao as CEO
Updated 04 November 2024
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NEOM Sports Club appoint Alex Leitao as CEO

NEOM Sports Club appoint Alex Leitao as CEO
  • New boss says he is delighted to join club at ‘significant phase’ in Kingdom’s sporting evolution
  • Team currently tops Saudi First Division

NEOM: NEOM Sports Club has appointed Alex Leitao as their new CEO, the club said on Monday.

The former boss of Brazil’s Club Athletico Paranaense and Major League Soccer’s Orlando City joins NEOM as they continue to progress through the ranks of Saudi football.

The club said Leitao would focus on driving the team’s performance, development and brand in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Moaath Alohali, who was the club’s CEO since its acquisition by NEOM in June last year, will transition to an advisory role. Under his leadership, the club secured the services of several top players and coaching staff and won the Second Division title.

Alohali also established a women’s team, which is currently seeking promotion to the Women’s Premier League, and a youth development program to nurture the next generation of Saudi players.

Club Chairman Mishari Al-Mutairi said: “As part of our development efforts to elevate the club’s sporting standards, we are pleased to welcome Alex Leitao as the club’s CEO and to benefit from his extensive experience in leading global clubs.

“The performance achieved by the club thus far reflects our commitment to attracting the best talents and coaches to NEOM, aligning with our goals of reaching the highest levels. We are currently looking forward to new seasons filled with success.”

Leitao said he was delighted to be a part of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving sporting landscape.

“As we enter a significant phase with the Kingdom’s transformation into a global sports hub, I am delighted to join a sports club to contribute to achieving its sporting and social objectives, adding further distinction to its national journey.

“The rapid growth of NEOM Sports Club, with a focus on professional football as the club’s core sport, is a key factor that enables us to compete, support promising talents, and enhance community engagement in this pioneering region.”

NEOM Sports Club are currently top of the First Division, the second tier of Saudi football.


Saudi Arabia showcases FIFA World Cup bid at AFC conference in Seoul

Saudi Arabia showcases FIFA World Cup bid at AFC conference in Seoul
Updated 01 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia showcases FIFA World Cup bid at AFC conference in Seoul

Saudi Arabia showcases FIFA World Cup bid at AFC conference in Seoul
  • SAFF’s President Yasser Al-Misehal highlights international backing

LONDON: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation presented its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup at an Asian Football Confederation conference in Seoul on Friday.

The event, for member associations and regional associations’ presidents and general secretaries, saw Saudi Arabia highlight its position as a potential World Cup host, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

SAFF’s President Yasser Al-Misehal spoke of international backing for Saudi Arabia’s proposal, noting the “unprecedented historical support from over 170 federations.”

Al-Misehal added that the endorsement emphasized the confidence the global community had in the Kingdom’s capabilities to host the World Cup, a venture he described as “a dream come true” for Saudi football enthusiasts who had passionately supported the sport for years.

The event also featured SAFF’s Secretary-General Ibrahim Al-Qasim, who offered a presentation to football experts and pioneers which stressed Saudi Arabia’s capacity to host the World Cup.

Under the proposed new format, Saudi Arabia would be the sole country to organize the 2034 tournament, underscoring its infrastructural capabilities and commitment to delivering a world-class sporting experience, he said.

The AFC conference, which began on Wednesday, was attended by FIFA’s President Gianni Infantino, AFC’s President Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, and national and regional federation leaders.

The decision on the hosts for the 2034 World Cup will be announced at FIFA’s Extraordinary General Assembly on Dec. 11.

Al-Misehal expressed optimism about Saudi Arabia’s prospects, adding that football fans across Asia and beyond were eagerly awaiting FIFA’s decision.


Netflix releases teaser for documentary series on Saudi Pro League

Netflix releases teaser for documentary series on Saudi Pro League
Updated 01 November 2024
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Netflix releases teaser for documentary series on Saudi Pro League

Netflix releases teaser for documentary series on Saudi Pro League
  • ‘Saudi Pro League: Kickoff’ will be released on Nov. 21

RIYADH: Netflix will launch its latest sports doc series, “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff,” on Nov. 21, the streaming platform revealed in a short teaser.

The docuseries will take football fans behind the scenes of a league with the ambition to become one of the top leagues in the world.

The six-episode series, produced by Whisper, delves into the journey of five Saudi football clubs, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli and Al Etiffaq, as they compete to be crowned Saudi Pro League champions.

Well-known international players such as Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Neymar (Al-Hilal), Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad) and Ettifaq coach Steven Gerrard, as well as great Saudi players such as Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal), Feras Al-Buraikan (Al-Ahli), Talal Haji (Al-Ittihad), and Abdulrahman Ghareeb (Al-Nassr), all make appearances, describing their journeys, challenges, failures and triumphs throughout the 2023-2024 season.

Beyond the pitch, fans will witness the Saudi Pro League’s vision of transformation unfold, as international legends join the league and make a profound impact on the clubs, the competition and the Saudi football stars.

Featuring exclusive interviews from some of the world’s best players, managers and commentators, along with in-depth stories and highlights from the campaign, the series will offer fans backstage access to the developments shaping the future of the Saudi Pro League.


We’ll be Al-Nassr fans for a weekend, says Al-Ittihad’s Fabinho

We’ll be Al-Nassr fans for a weekend, says Al-Ittihad’s Fabinho
Updated 01 November 2024
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We’ll be Al-Nassr fans for a weekend, says Al-Ittihad’s Fabinho

We’ll be Al-Nassr fans for a weekend, says Al-Ittihad’s Fabinho
  • The Brazilian midfielder helped his team to a 1-0 win over Jeddah rivals Al-Ahli ahead of Al-Nassr’s clash with table-topping Al-Hilal in the Roshn Saudi Pro League’s Capital Derby

JEDDAH: Brazilian star Fabinho has revealed that the Al-Ittihad players are going to become Al-Nassr fans, but just for the Roshn Saudi Pro League Capital Derby against champions and current leaders Al-Hilal on Friday.

On Thursday night Al-Ittihad defeated Jeddah rivals Al-Ahli 1-0 as a part of the SPL’s Derby Week.

The win in the Sea Derby ensures Al-Ittihad is equal on points with Al-Hilal at the top of the SPL table but behind the Riyadh club on goal difference, having played an extra match.

Having dropped only three points all season — in a defeat to Al-Hilal — Al-Ittihad, title holders in 2022-2023, have emerged as the reigning champions’ biggest challengers for the league trophy this season.

With that in mind, the former Liverpool midfielder wants both Jeddah and Riyadh to be all yellow this weekend.

“At the moment we are fighting against Al-Hilal at the top of the league, so first we have to do our job,” he told Arab News before the clash in Jeddah.

“And of course we’ll support Al-Nassr this weekend. If they get a good result, it will be good for us, but as I said before we have to care about us first.”

As well as the Sea Derby and Capital Derby, the SPL also hosts Al-Ettifaq versus Al-Qadsiah in the Eastern Derby on Saturday.

All the matchweek nine clashes are a part of the innovative new Derby Week in the league this season.


Fabinho up against old friend Firmino as Al-Ittihad look to overcome Jeddah rivals Al-Ahli in Derby Week

Fabinho up against old friend Firmino as Al-Ittihad look to overcome Jeddah rivals Al-Ahli in Derby Week
Updated 31 October 2024
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Fabinho up against old friend Firmino as Al-Ittihad look to overcome Jeddah rivals Al-Ahli in Derby Week

Fabinho up against old friend Firmino as Al-Ittihad look to overcome Jeddah rivals Al-Ahli in Derby Week
  • ‘Last season, I made a hard tackle on him, and he sent me a photo of his ankle. I said: Sorry, Bobby,’ Fabinho reveals ahead of Thursday night’s Jeddah derby

JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad midfielder Fabinho has admitted “it’s not nice” playing against compatriot, ex-Liverpool teammate and good friend Roberto Firmino, but will be doing everything to beat him and Al-Ahli in the Roshn Saudi League on Thursday.

Both Brazilian stars moved to their respective Jeddah clubs in the summer of 2023 after enjoying years of success at Liverpool, including winning the Champions League and Premier League.

But they will be on opposite sides for the Sea Derby, with Fabinho confessing that he even had to apologize to his good friend Firmino after an overzealous tackle in a corresponding fixture last season.

Al-Ittihad go into the derby in second place, with their local rival 11th in the Roshn Saudi League table.

The Jeddah derby, which kicks off at 9 p.m. local time at King Abdullah Sports City, is a part of the Roshn Saudi League’s innovative Derby Week, which is taking place in matchweek nine of the 2024-2025 season.

The new Derby Week addition to the Saudi Arabian topflight features Christiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr versus champions Al-Hilal, with Neymar at No. 10, at Al-Awwal Park. The mouthwatering Capital Derby matchup is on Friday.

The Eastern Derby between Al-Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, and Al-Qadsiah, who welcomed Real Madrid hero Nacho into their ranks in summer, is on Saturday.

Here are some of Fabinho’s views on the big game and the SPL season:

On the derby

“For us it is a really important game, the team is in a really good moment. We are second in the league just behind Al-Hilal and we want to be at the top, so we have to win this game.

“This will be my third derby, the first two were not very good for us. We lost both of them, so it is an opportunity to give a nice result to our fans. The fans they are asking for us to give everything to win this game.”

Al-Ittihad’s form this season

“I think the players that arrived (in the transfer window) are playing really well. Moussa Diaby, Houssem Aouar, all the players who arrived have really integrated into the team and adapted to the team and the way we play.

“I think some key players are finding their best football again, so this is very important for us. The new coach and his staff arrived as well, and we know the ideas they have and how they want to play football.

“What everybody expects from us is to fight for the league, it’s not a big surprise. We have to do everything to reach the top.”

On facing Firmino

“It is not nice. Bobby is one of my good friends that I have made in football, he is a very good player, so I never like to play against him. Last season when we played against them, I made a hard tackle on him and after the game he sent me a photo of his ankle. I said: ‘Sorry, Bobby.’

“After the game we can talk but, in the game, I will fight for my side and my team. It’s nice to be in the same city as him, to see him off the pitch often. Our families also are in contact, and he is a very good friend, but on the pitch and in the derby, I am with Al-Ittihad and he is with Al-Ahli.”

On living in Jeddah

“My good friend Helder Costa played here for one season, so I talked to him, because I wanted my family to be comfortable in the city. Coming to Jeddah it was a very good surprise to see how nice the city is.

“We have adapted to the city, and we love to live in Jeddah. We’re very happy to be here.”