Gerrard joins the Saudi revolution
July 4 – The Saudi Pro League has lured yet another footballing icon after former England captain Steven Gerrard agreed to become manager of Al-Ettifaq on a two-year contract.
Tag: Saudi Arabia
Jeddah to be host city for 2023 Club World Cup; Saudi 2030 bid looks to be fading
June 27 – Jeddah in Saudi Arabia will be the host city for the 2023 Club World Cup FIFA confirmed on Monday. But at the same time, is seems unlikely the Arab Kingdom will continue with its bid for the 2030 World Cup.
Saudi Arabia to pull out of 2030 World Cup, reports
June 23 – Saudi Arabia is no longer in the running to stage the 2030 World Cup and will instead concentrate on 2034, according to a Spanish newspaper.
Ceferin tells Saudis that developing domestic players is best route to sustainability
June 19 – UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has warned Saudi Arabia that splashing out eye-watering sums of money on ageing superstar players is a mistake in terms of developing the game.
Saudi FA keeps building influence in Africa with Mauritania the latest to sign on
June 14 – It’s the 17th MoU the Saudi Arabian Football Association (SAFF) have signed. The relationship with the Mauritanian Football Federation (FFRIM) will focus on traditional areas of cooperation, including but not limited to coach education, training for referees and support for the women’s game.
Newcastle United build on Saudi links with Sela shirt sponsorship and noon.com sleeve renewal
June 12 – Premier League fourth-placed finishers Newcastle United, who will play in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2003, have confirmed a “multi-year” sponsorship deal for their front of shirt position, as well as renewing their sleeve sponsorship.
Benzema ends Real Madrid chapter to start new ‘story’ with Al-Ittihad in Saudi
June 8 – Karim Benzema has completed his move to Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Arabian club have confirmed, the latest superstar to move to the Gulf state for one final financial windfall.
Saudi Pro League sets new strategy; Cook leaves as Allazeez takes on CEO role, Nohra to head league ops
June 8 – With Karim Benzema arriving in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, yesterday, ahead of his Al-Ittihad unveiling later today at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium, the Saudi Pro League (SPL) has reported a record breaking 2022/23 season and promised a new-long term ‘transformation strategy’.
Saudi Arabia’s PIF takes control of four clubs as it looks to accelerate Pro League growth
June 6 – In a landmark move accelerating the Arab Kingdom’s investment in the game, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will take control of Al Nassr – where Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo plays – Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, the 2021 Asian Champions League winner.
Messi’s PSG exit confirmed. Return to Barca or a trip to join Cristiano in Saudi next?
June 2 – Lionel Messi will play his final game for Paris St-Germain against Clermont Foot tomorrow as speculation grows as to where the 35-year-old Argentine superstar will end up next.
Saudi FA adds Botswana to its partnership roster
May 11 – The Saudi Arabian Football Association (SAFF) has signed another MoU with an African nation, this time with the Botswana Football Association (BFA) with a view to accelerating “the sport’s development in both countries and explore various areas of collaboration”.
Messi gets $400m job offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, reports
May 5 – Having seemingly fallen out irreconcilably with Paris St Germain, Lionel Messi is reported to have received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season.
Messi suspended by PSG for taking Saudi trip
May 3 – Lionel Messi has been suspended by Paris St-Germain for two weeks and will be fined after an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.
Premier League to bar owners who commit human rights abuses
March 31 – The Premier League has tightened its ownership rules by barring anyone found to have committed human rights abuses.
Infantino says Saudi deal for WWC is off but country has an equal right to be a major sponsor
By Andrew Warshaw
March 17 – FIFA has admitted defeat over plans to allow Saudi Arabia to be a major sponsor of this year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand even though Gianni Infantino described objections to the idea as “a storm in a teacup”.