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.
Federations
Fowler fired from high flying Al-Qadsiah as country hunts for new women’s coach
October 27 – Ex-Liverpool and England star Robbie Fowler has been sacked from his position as head coach at Saudi second-tier side Al-Qadsiah, despite being unbeaten and having won manager of the month inside of his first eight games in charge.
Saudi head of women’s game, Monica Staab, suggests hosting bid for WWC 2035
October 20 – Having already all but been assured of the 2034 men’s World Cup, Saudi Arabia has now expressed an interest in staging the women’s version a year later.
CWC 2nd round of ticket sales opens with eyes on Saudi’s hosting capabilities
October 19 – FIFA have opened the second phase of ticket sales for the Club World Cup 2023, to be held in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi sports minister Bader Alkadi says sports investment is for the nation, not reputation
October 19 – Saudi Arabia’s vice-minister of sport has added his voice to countering critics who accuse the country of using its sovereign wealth fund to engage in “sportswashing” to deflect from its human rights record.
Saudi Arabia’s Alkassim says 2034 bid is priority and country can be ‘a force for good’
October 17 – The general secretary of the Saudi Arabian Football Association (SAFF), Ibrahim Alkassim, has reiterated his nation’s commitment to their 2034 FIFA World Cup bid, inspired by the growth of the Saudi Pro League alongside the success of the 2022 World Cup in neighbouring Qatar.
Algeria to host Palestine’s 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers
October 17 – Palestine’s men’s team will play all home matches in Algeria until further notice following a request from the Palestinian FA in the wake of the military conflict between Hamas and Israel.
China appoints Song Kai to lead FA to calmer waters
October 16 – Song Kai has been named as the new chairman of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), China’s state news agency Xinhua reported on Monday.
PepsiCo brand Lay’s becomes Saudi Women’s Premier League naming rights partner ahead of season kick-off
October 11 – PepsiCo and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation have signed a three-year partnership that will see PepsiCo’s snack brand Lay’s, become the new strategic sponsors of the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
China corruption crackdown accelerates with arrest warrant for top sports official
October 11 – China has ordered the arrest of a former top sports official as Beijing maintains a crackdown on corruption.
VW drives capacity-building programme focussed on women’s game with Qatar Foundation
October 11 – The Qatar Foundation and Volkswagen Middle East have agreed a partnership with the aim of supporting capacity-building programmes, specifically for women and girls in football around the region.
Pakistan turn to Constantine to prepare for World Cup qualifier against Cambodia
October 2 – Pakistan have turned to globetrotting coach Stephen Constantine to help the team win their first-ever World Cup qualifier.
MBS says spending on sport is a good investment and Saudi won’t stop
September 22 – Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman has rejected allegations of ‘sportswashing’ as a method of improving the kingdom’s international reputation and says he has every intention of continuing to invest in top-level sport.
Saudis link with French to develop coaches and a performance research hub
September 20 – The French FA (FFF) have signed a cooperation agreement with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) that will cover football development.
U17 World Cup hosts Indonesia head to Bundesliga clubs for training camp
September 18 – Indonesia Under-17s will undergo a five-week Bundesliga training camp ahead of the 2023 U17 World Cup in November.
