Mancini takes Saudi Arabia role and sets sights on Asian Cup 2023
August 28 – Just two weeks after quitting the Italian men’s national team, Roberto Mancini has been appointed coach of the Saudi Arabia national team.
Federations
Saudi Pro League grows broadcast deals to 130+ ahead of season kick off
August 10 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has confirmed more than 130 broadcasters worldwide for the 2023/24 season including streaming channel DAZN in Europe and FOX Sports in the US.
Saudi Pro League boss says spending won’t stop as the league strives to compete with best
August 9 – Saudi authorities have no intention of halting their spending spree that has seen a host of big-name players move to the country from Europe.
LaLiga and Iraqi FA activate co-operation agreement with series of seminars
August 9 – LaLiga and the Iraq Football Association (IFA) have begun activation of their three-year collaboration project via a series of workshops for IFA executives addressing key aspects in the development of Iraqi football.
Saudi Pro League builds broadcast footprint; SRJ to construct a sports business
August 9 – The billion dollar spending of Saudi Pro League clubs to build a league worthy of global attention is starting to see its first significant broadcast deals in major football markets outside the Middle East.
Sadio Mane joins Saudi gravy train, joining Ronaldo at Al Nasser in $43m deal
August 2 – Another day, another high-profile footballing export to Saudi Arabia. Sadio Mane has become the latest big name to quit European football for the Saudi Pro League after agreeing to join Al-Nassr from Bayern Munich and team up with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s club Al Nassr banned from signing new players until Leicester City debt is paid
July 14 – Leading Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo now plays, have been banned by FIFA from registering any more new players until they settle a dispute with England’s Leicester City.
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.
Robbie Fowler heading to Saudi to manage Aramco-owned Al-Qadisiyah
June 30 – Former Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has become the latest football star to head to Saudi Arabia, taking up the manager’s role at local club Al-Qadisiyah.
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.
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.
Jassim al-Buenain to take over Qatar FA presidency from Sheikh Hamad
June 7 – Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain has been elected as the president of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) for a four year-term.
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.
Salman outlines pathway for Syria to return to hosting international matches
May 23 – AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifi has said that he feels comfortable that the security situation in Syria is now safe and that the AFC and FIFA can work toward allowing international football to again be played in the country.
Same old Iran. Women refused entry to 100th Tehran derby
April 24 – Women were reportedly barred from attending the Tehran derby between Esteghlal and Persepolis in the Iranian top flight.
