Marcell Koller emerges as top candidate to take over at Al-Jazira
Koller shortlisted for vacant Al-Jazira post
Photo: KingFut.com
Former Al Ahly SC head coach Marcell Koller has emerged as a potential candidate to take over the vacant seat at UAE Pro League outfit Al-Jazira.
The Abhu Dhabi-based outfit recently parted ways with Hussein Ammouta after a dismal start to their 2025/26 campaign, falling to a 3-2 defeat to Khorfakkan, despite having an extra man advantage.
Jazira, on the back of a seventh-place finish in the league last season, are currently in eighth place in the 14-team championship.
While their performance in the league left a lot to be desired in the previous campaign, the club managed to clinch the ADIB League Cup at the expense of Shabab Al Ahli at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in April. It was their first trophy since winning the league in 2021.
Now, Jazira are set to usher into a new era, earmarking Koller as the leading candidate to take over from Ammouta according to the exclusive information gathered by Foot Africa. The ex- Ahly boss faces competition from Romanian tactician Edi Lordanescu.
Koller recently parted ways with the Egyptian champions after failing to reach the CAF Champions League final last season. The Red Devils were knocked out in the semi-final stage of the competition by South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Swiss tactician guided the record 12-time African champions to a staggering 11 titles, including two Champions League titles, four Egyptian Super Cup triumphs, two league trophies and as many Egyptian cup silverwares during his spell in Cairo.
Moreover, the 64-year-old serial winner has lifted the Bundesliga 2 with German outfit VFL Bochum in the 2005/06 season, the Swiss Cup with Basel in the 2018/19 term. In addition, Koller was crowned Swiss champion with St. Gallen and Grasshopper in the 1999/00 and 2002/03 terms respectively.
Should an agreement on personal terms be struck with Al Jazira, Koller will coach former France international Nabil Fekir and Egyptian star Ibrahim Adel, who completed a move to Al-Jazira from reigning African champions Pyramids FC in the off-season.
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5 hours ago
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Marcell Koller emerges as top candidate to take over at Al-Jazira
Exclusive Koller shortlisted for vacant Al-Jazira post Photo: Former Al Ahly SC head coach Marcell Koller has emerged as a potential candidate to take over the vacant seat at UAE Pro League outfit Al-Jazira. The Abhu Dhabi-based outfit recently parted ways with Hussein Ammouta after a dismal start to their 2025/26 campaign, falling to a 3-2 defeat to Khorfakkan, despite having an extra man advantage. Jazira, on the back of a seventh-place finish in the league last season, are currently in eighth place in the 14-team championship. While their performance in the league left a lot to be desired in the previous campaign, the club managed to clinch the ADIB League Cup at the expense of Shabab Al Ahli at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in April. It was their first trophy since winning the league in 2021. Now, Jazira are set to usher into a new era, earmarking Koller as the leading candidate to take over from Ammouta according to the exclusive information gathered by Foot Africa. The ex- Ahly boss faces competition from Romanian tactician Edi Lordanescu. Koller recently parted ways with the Egyptian champions after failing to reach the CAF Champions League final last season. The Red Devils were knocked out in the semi-final stage of the competition by South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns. The Swiss tactician guided the record 12-time African champions to a staggering 11 titles, including two Champions League titles, four Egyptian Super Cup triumphs, two league trophies and as many Egyptian cup silverwares during his spell in Cairo. Moreover, the 64-year-old serial winner has lifted the Bundesliga 2 with German outfit VFL Bochum in the 2005/06 season, the Swiss Cup with Basel in the 2018/19 term. In addition, Koller was crowned Swiss champion with St. Gallen and Grasshopper in the 1999/00 and 2002/03 terms respectively. Should an agreement on personal terms be struck with Al Jazira, Koller will coach former France international Nabil Fekir and Egyptian star Ibrahim Adel, who completed a move to Al-Jazira from reigning African champions Pyramids FC in the off-season.
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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 21, 2025-- The 'Saudi Arabia Online Gaming Market Size & Forecast 2025-2033" report has been added to offering. Saudi Arabia Online Gaming Market is expected to reach US$ 4.44 billion by 2033 from US$ 1.77 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 10.77% from 2025 to 2033 Increasing internet penetration, youth demographics, government support through Vision 2030, growing smartphone usage, esports development, foreign investment, cultural shifts toward digital entertainment, and growing local game development initiatives are the main drivers of Saudi Arabia's online gaming market growth. The online gaming sector in Saudi Arabia is expanding quickly because of a number of important factors. Strong digital infrastructure and dependable, fast connectivity are available throughout the nation, enabling a flawless gaming experience. The demand for interactive digital entertainment is considerable due to the population's preponderance of young people. The gambling industry is being aggressively supported by government initiatives as part of larger attempts to diversify the economy. The growth of the gaming sector is being reinforced by strategic investments in both domestic and foreign firms. Furthermore, the emergence of esports and the holding of significant gaming competitions are establishing Saudi Arabia as a regional and international center for competitive digital entertainment and online gaming. Growth Drivers for the Saudi Arabia Online Gaming Market Youth Demographics A major factor in the quick growth of the Saudi Arabian online gaming sector is the country's largely youthful population, with a sizable percentage under 35. A thriving gaming culture has been cultivated by this demographic's significant integration with digital technology and mobile platforms. Gaming is a major source of amusement and social contact for more than 70% of Saudi youth. This development is acknowledged by the government's Vision 2030 plan, which positions esport and gaming as important industries for economic diversification. This generation is further empowered by investments in infrastructure, esports competitions, and educational initiatives, which firmly establish their impact on the direction of the Saudi Arabian gaming market. Government Initiatives boosts the market growth Through strategic efforts in line with Vision 2030, the Saudi Arabian government is aggressively propelling the expansion of the online gaming business. The National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which encourages industry investment, talent development, and infrastructure development, is at the heart of this endeavor. By 2030, Saudi Arabia wants to become a global center for gaming and esport, with over 35,000 new employment and $13.3 billion in economic benefits, according to HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Federation of E-sports and Gaming. The Kingdom's determination to become a leader in the global gaming ecosystem is further supported by government-backed organizations like Savvy Gaming Group, major competitions like the Esports World Cup, and a $120 million investment fund. Digital Infrastructure Through strategic efforts in line with Vision 2030, the Saudi Arabian government is aggressively propelling the expansion of the online gaming business. The National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which encourages industry investment, talent development, and infrastructure development, is at the heart of this endeavor. By 2030, Saudi Arabia wants to become a global center for gaming and esport, with over 35,000 new employment and $13.3 billion in economic benefits, according to HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Federation of E-sports and Gaming. The Kingdom's determination to become a leader in the global gaming ecosystem is further supported by government-backed organizations like Savvy Gaming Group, major competitions like the Esports World Cup, and a $120 million investment fund. Challenges in the Saudi Arabia Online Gaming Market Cultural and regulatory restrictions The Saudi Arabian internet gaming sector faces major obstacles due to cultural and legislative constraints. To guarantee that gaming material complies with regional cultural, religious, and social norms, the Kingdom maintains stringent regulations. This frequently leads to game censorship or alteration, which reduces the number of titles available. Complicated approval procedures that developers and publishers must handle can cause delays in game releases and deter foreign businesses from entering the market. These limitations may also have an impact on local game developers' inventiveness and ingenuity. 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Platform 8.1 Mobile Phone 8.2 PCs 8.3 Console 8.4 Others 9. Gamer Type 9.1 Social Gamers 9.2 Serious Gamers 9.3 Core Gamers 10. Age Group 10.1 Below 10 Years 10.2 11-24 Years 10.3 25-44 Years 10.4 45 and Above Years 11. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 11.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers 11.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 11.3 Degree of Competition 11.4 Threat of New Entrants 11.5 Threat of Substitutes 12. SWOT Analysis 12.1 Strength 12.2 Weakness 12.3 Opportunity 12.4 Threats 13. Key Players Analysis For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on CONTACT: Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 KEYWORD: MIDDLE EAST SAUDI ARABIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENTERTAINMENT ESPORTS SPORTS ONLINE MOBILE ENTERTAINMENT CASINO/GAMING SOURCE: Research and Markets Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 08/21/2025 12:55 PM/DISC: 08/21/2025 12:55 PM
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Houssem Aouar wants a new experience.. His Saudi club agrees, but?
The former Olympique Lyonnais star wants to leave Saudi Arabia. Houssem Aouar wants a new experience.. His Saudi club agrees, but? Houssem Aouar's time in Saudi Arabia appears to be ending much sooner than anticipated. In a significant development, the board of Al Ittihad has agreed to the Algerian international's request to leave the club during the current summer transfer window. Having arrived just last summer on a long-term contract until 2028, Aouar's signing was met with considerable excitement. While his output has been respectable—11 goals and 4 assists in 26 appearances across all competitions—it ultimately failed to dispel a growing sense of uncertainty surrounding his fit at the club. A combination of inconsistent performances and recurring physical setbacks meant the former Lyon midfielder never fully won over sections of the fanbase or critical observers. Facing mounting pressure both in the media and on the sporting front, Aouar has decided to seek a fresh start. Keen to maintain harmony within the squad, the Al Ittihad leadership has honored his wish and has already begun the process of identifying a foreign replacement, with several options under consideration to bolster their midfield before the window closes. The Algerian playmaker is not expected to be short of suitors. He has been closely linked with clubs including Lille, Olympique de Marseille, and Bournemouth, suggesting a swift return to European football is a likely outcome. His current market value is estimated at €9 million.
