May 23 – Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will cover all external debts owed by Saudi Professional League clubs, according to an announcement by The General Sports Authority and Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF).
Bin Salman will reportedly provide 1,277,000,000 Saudi riyals ($340 million) which will be sufficient to clear outstanding debts and enable clubs to invest ahead of the 2018-19 season.
According to the General Sports Authority: “Some Saudi Arabian clubs are currently experiencing financial problems that require immediate and urgent intervention. Failure to intervene urgently to rescue clubs may result in damage to the reputation of the Kingdom in general and Saudi Arabian sport in particular.”
With 107 cases currently under appeal at FIFA regarding unpaid salaries in Saudi Arabia, The General Sports Authority said: “Some Saudi Arabian clubs may face severe disciplinary sanctions because of the failure to meet financial obligations such as the denial of the registration of players in general or the deduction of points.”
The news was welcomed by Al-Ittihad president Nawaf Al-Muqairn who issued a statement saying: “This contributes to creating solid ground for all clubs to move toward achieving their goals.”
Al-Ittihad had the highest outstanding debt amongst Saudi clubs with 309 million riyals ($82 million) owed – which was a factor in their being denied an AFC club license to appear in the AFC Champions League.
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