Henderson quits Saudi for European return at Ajax
January 19 – The lucrative Saudi league has lost one of its high-profile players after England midfielder Jordan Henderson unexpectedly quit and returned to Europe to sign for Ajax.
Tag: Saudi Arabia
Gerrard sticking with Al-Ettifaq and on-going build
January 19 – Former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson may have departed after just six months but Steven Gerrard has signed a two-year contract extension to stay as head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq until 2027.
Saudi Arabia unveil spectacular designs for Qiddiya City stadium
January 16 – Saudi Arabia has unveiled ambitious designs for a cutting-edge stadium perched atop a 200-meter-high cliff near Riyadh, strategically positioned to serve as a venue for matches during the 2034 World Cup.
Saudi’s open ‘Falcon’s Nest’ fan zone in Doha for Asian Cup
January 15 – With the 2023 AFC Asian Cup underway, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has announced the launch of the ‘Falcon’s Nest’ fan zone, where supporters can ‘enjoy an extraordinary experience’ while in Qatar for the quadrennial showpiece.
Transfer talk: Henderson wants out of Saudi, Sancho wants out of Man Utd, does Mbappe know what he wants?
January 10 – Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been strongly linked with a move to Ajax in the latest twist in the Englishman’s transfer saga as he looks for an escape from Saudi Arabia just six months after joining ex-teammate Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq.
Mancini blends youth and experience in his Asian Cup 2023 squad as Saudi expectation builds
January 4 – Roberto Mancini has named his first squad for a major championship opting for a blend of youth and tried and tested experience in a Saudi Arabian squad that is drawn entirely from the Saudi Pro League.
1996 Asian Cup
The last AFC Asian Cup of the 20th Century saw more teams that ever enter following the collapse of the Soviet Union and new nations joining the AFC and the tournament itself expanding to a 12-team competition, hosted for the first time in the United Arab Emirates.
1988 Asian Cup
The 1988 AFC Asian Cup saw the continued dominance of the competition by West Asian nations, with seven of the 10 qualifying teams coming from West Asia, including the defending champions and the hosts, with the tournament coming to Qatar for the first time.
AFC launches new reform initiative as exco recognises rise of Saudi and expresses Palestine solidarity
December 22 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced it will establish a new Reform Taskforce to continue and build on the reforms of 2016.
Al Ahly thrash Al-Ittihad’s Euro stars to set up Fluminense CWC semi. Urawa reds to face Man City
By Samindra Kunti in Jeddah
December 17 – African champions Al Ahly from Egypt eliminated hosts Al-Ittihad from the Club World Cup with a resounding 3-1 win to set up a semi-final against Brazil’s Fluminense. Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds complete the last-four line-up and will face Manchester City.
Saudis recruit ex-Barca manager Lluis Cortes to lead women’s national team
December 12 – Former Barcelona and Ukraine manager Lluis Cortes has been appointed as Saudi Arabia women’s national team head coach.
Saudi sports minister rejects sportswashing allegations, inviting critics to take a closer look
December 8 – Saudi Arabia’s sports minister has rejected claims of ‘sportswashing’ against his country and, just like Qatar before last year’s tournament, has defended the Saudis’ right to stage the World Cup.
Saudi Arabia build out women’s national teams with launch of U20s under Pauline Hamil
December 8 –Saudi Arabian focus may be on the hosting of their first major FIFA event starting next week – the 2023 Club World Cup – but the Kingdom has still found time to announce the launch of a Women’s U20 national team.
Al-Ittihad sack Espírito Santo after superstar squad fails to deliver
November 8 – Al Ittihad have sacked former Spurs boss Nuno Espírito Santo after an underwhelming start to the season despite an influx of superstar summer signings.
Gerrard says Al-Ettifaq will recruit again from Europe when Winter window opens
November 6 – Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard says his Saudi Pro League side are ready to “scour Europe” when the transfer window re-opens in January.