A major sports movement, led by the Saudi government with the support of the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee, has resulted in an increase in the number of sport federations to approximately 100, each of which oversees multiples within its own sport category.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has become an owner of the four football clubs, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Nassr. They provide equal opportunities and value without any differences in details, confirming their equality in terms of audience and investment as they enter the financial market.
Saudi giant, Aramco, has acquired Al-Qadsiah FC, which will become one of the largest clubs in Saudi Arabia and the region in the coming years. This acquisition goes further than just financial support — a vital aspect in the world of sports — to include technical and administrative support as well as.
Currently, Steven Gerrard one of the most prominent coaches in the Saudi Football League, has built a team capable of competing with the four big clubs. I believe that within the next season, we will witness a boom in coaching replacements to match the level of the club's stars.
The coaches in the next stage will be of the highest caliber, such as Italian coach Roberto Mancini, the new Saudi National Team coach.
Saudi women have a significant presence in Saudi sports. This includes Princess Reema Bint Bandar as chairwoman of the Women’s Committee, as well as her involvement within the Special Olympics and Kayanee Company, along with dozens of businesswomen and princesses who hold leadership positions in sports federations as chairwomen, board members, and CEOs.
The establishment of PIF for financial and international investment companies in the field of sports and entertainment clearly indicates an interest in investing in sports as an economic industry that generates large profits and supports the quality of life.
During my recent visit to the United States, I had the opportunity to meet with leaders of major sports clubs, particularly Dallas FC in the state of Texas. This meeting confirmed the existence of extensive spaces and opportunities for cultural and social exchange between countries through sports and football.
