AFC 2026 qualifying: Saudis stumble with surprise loss in Indonesia
November 21 – Indonesia stunned Saudi Arabia 2-0, a result that left Group C in the third round of Asian World Cup qualifying wide open.
Tag: Saudi Arabia
HRW add voice to growing clamour over FIFA’s blind eyes to Saudi human rights record
November 8 – Following in the footsteps of a clamour of rights groups, Human Rights Watch has warned that a 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia risks widespread labour abuse.
End of the $110m road for injury-plagued Neymar in Saudi?
November 8 – Brazilian star Neymar reportedly faces being axed by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in January amid continued injury problems.
Saudi real estate giant starts first stage of tender process for ‘National Guard Stadium’ in Riyadh
November 6 – Saudi giga-project developer ROSHN has opened prequalification for a contract to build a new stadium adjacent to the National Guard facilities in southwest Riyadh as Saudi looks to gear up preparations for the 2034 World Cup, with their status as hosts all but announced.
Human rights bodies slam Clifford Chance Saudi 2034 report for ‘cherry-picking’ findings
October 29 – Human rights organisations have called out Clifford Chance for a “poor” assessment of Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup, warning the law firm of the risk that it could be linked to human rights abuses which could result from the tournament.
Renard returns to Saudi with task of getting 2026 qualification back on track
October 29 – In a surprise move, Frenchman Hervé Renard has been reappointed to manage Saudi Arabia following Roberto Mancini’s departure.
BWI warns FIFA has turned a blind eye to Saudi Arabian human rights risks
October 24 – World governing body FIFA is again under fire following the accusation by trade union Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) that it is refusing to engage on human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia, defying its own human rights obligations.
Staveley’s WhatsApp messages suggest MBS had last word on Newcastle United buy
October 22 – The separation between nation states and Premier League clubs is becoming increasing blurred after it has been revealed that the former Newcastle United minority co-owner, Amanda Staveley, suggested the buyout of the club hinged on the approval of Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman.
Women’s players lobby FIFA to end ‘shocking’ Aramco sponsorship
October 22 – More than 100 internationals in the women’s game are calling on FIFA to reconsider allowing Saudi Arabian oil company Saudi Aramco to be a sponsor.
Rexona agree 3-year deal with Saudi women’s team
October 21 – The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has announced a three-year partnership with Unilever’s Rexona, making the brand an official sponsor of the Saudi Arabia Women’s National Team.
Inter Milan acquire license to market club in Saudi Arabia
October 17 – Italian Serie A holders Inter Milan have announced the acquisition of a Saudi Arabian Ministry of Investment (MISA) licence, formalising their commitment to a strategic expansion in Saudi Arabia to further extend the club brand presence in the Middle East and grow their fanbase.
Neymar back at Al-Hilal and in line for return to Asian Champions League action next week
October 15 – After a year on the sidelines, one of the Saudi Pro League superstar players could finally be back on the pitch. Brazilian international, Neymar, who has been out injured since sustaining a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee while on international duty has returned to training with Al-Hilal.
Italians return to Saudi Arabia for the fifth time for hosting of Supercoppa
October 11 – Serie A have confirmed that the Supercoppa Italiana will be played for the third consecutive season in Saudi Arabia 2-6 January 2025, the fifth time the Saudis have hosted.
LaLiga expands Saudi links with 3-year Riyadh Season sponsorship
October 10 – LaLiga has announced a three-season commercial partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season – a series of entertainment, cultural, and sporting events held in the kingdom’s capital of Riyadh – become an official sponsor of Spain’s top football division until 2027.
Saudi Arabia’s Saud Abdulhamid makes history leaving Al Hilal for Roma
August 28 – The trend of big-name European-based players moving to Saudi Arabia has been reversed in the case of Saud Abdulhamid, who has made history by becoming the first player from his country to be signed permanently by a club in any of Europe’s top five leagues.