The Saudi League continues to take steps. First there were the big signings, which are still in force, then the arrival of a second tier of players hand in hand with a gradual growth of the clubs in terms of sporting and organizational structure. MARCA has had the opportunity to talk about all this with Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, who is the first to recognize the change in the competition, but warns that it is only the beginning. “It’s not a secret, a lot of things have changed in recent years. There are levels of change but all the teams have improved,” he points out during the talk held in Jeddah.
In this panorama of the immediate future, a name appears that already had its journey last summer and will have it in a few months, when it receives a proposal again. We talk about Vincius and the Saudi CEO does not doubt it. “We don’t have dreams, it’s a matter of time and negotiation.” The door has never been completely closed and summer will be in the news again.
Vinicius? We don’t have dreams, it’s a matter of time and negotiation
Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi League
One of the references and historic clubs in the League is Al Ittihad. “It is one of the oldest clubs we have in Saudi Arabia. They have just celebrated their anniversary for their 100 years of history. It is not the only one, we have many clubs with a long history. Al Ittihad and Al Ahli have many fans. They are the two great clubs from Jeddah. Every city has its history and so do the teams.
Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi League, during the talk with MARCA in Jeddah.
Years ago, there were one or two world figures who appeared in Saudi territory, now they are multiplying, but they are trying to promote the young footballer. “Foreign players have always been part of the Saudi teams. In recent years the possible number of foreign players in the teams has changed. This season we have included the number of eight plus another two under 21 years old. It has always been in The DNA of this League is to bring in players from outside to make it more attractive. What has changed massively, especially in the last two years, has been the quality of the players who come, Benzema, among others, create a greater impact, both nationally. as internationally”.
Benzema, among others, creates a greater impact, both nationally and internationally
The bet is for equality at least in the group of historical teams. “Two years ago a lot has changed in all aspects, the Leagues, the quality… the difference between first and second is equal. The competition has changed. This shows that it is much more competitive and attractive. You cannot predict what which will happen at the end of the season,” says the CEO of the Saudi competition.
Neymar during a match with Al-Hilal.GETTY IMAGES
The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema among others have led football fans to look closely at what is happening in Saudi Arabia. “What has also changed is the global interest in our League. It is televised in 160 countries, from almost all parts of the world you can watch a match. Our social networks show content in different languages such as English, Portuguese, Mandarin… we are going to do it in more languages because there is a global interest. We want to offer the global audience our content.
Commercial strategy, income…
Behind the League and the teams there is a strategy to grow as an entity, to ensure that the big movements are supported by what the clubs have done and that not everything is about putting in money. “All clubs, especially those with great players, have grown in terms of globalization, sponsors, television channels… they have created a global brand. Each team is capable of obtaining income. The League, too.”
The Arab competition boasts of its growth
The goal is to be one of the ten major leagues. “We are the number 1 League in Asia, but we want to be part of the top 10 in the world. Right now I can’t tell you where we are. We have to wait for the season to end.”
We are the number 1 League in Asia, but we want to be part of the top 10
Omar Mugharbel recognizes that not everything is about signing stars, despite the fact that it is the biggest attraction. “Top players are part of our growth, but it is not the only thing. The development in infrastructure, the quarry… how we are able to attract the audience. All of them are elements that make us grow. We have to make sure we continue to grow and of knowing how to use the pull that these players give to the League. Sixteen are foreign players and under 21 years old, with a lot of quality, who are doing very well little by little the young Saudis are also appearing.
