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.
Federations
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.
Transfer focus on Saudi as Gray leaves Everton, Carrasco moves from Athletico and chase for Salah intensifies
September 8 – With the European transfer deadline over, this week focus has been on the heavily-funded Saudi Pro League to complete their deals ahead of their transfer deadline Thursday evening.
AFC calls in its top association officials for high level capacity building powwow
September 7 – The AFC is gathering the top two officials of all its member and regional associations in the same room for a two-day conference next month in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with the aim of knowledge exchange, increasing administrative capacity, and creating stronger co-operation on a national level.
Chinese crackdown continues with arrest of CSL chief Liu Jun
August 31 – Liu Jun, chairman of the Chinese Super League (CSL) company, is the latest high-profile figure to be placed under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.
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.
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.
