Latest news with #SaudiFootballFederation


Asharq Al-Awsat
20-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Ministry of Sport, stc Group Sign Cooperation Agreement
The Saudi Ministry of Sport signed on Saturday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the stc Group at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, coinciding with the stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Formula 1 race. The signing was attended by Chairman of the Board of Directors of stc Group Prince Mohammed bin Khalid bin Abdullah bin Faisal and Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal. The MoU aims to explore prospects for mutual cooperation and to provide innovative solutions and services in digital infrastructure and modern technologies in a way that supports the sports sector and boosts development opportunities for strategic projects, in line with relevant regulations. A tripartite agreement was also signed by Secretary-General of the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) Ibrahim Al-Qassim, CEO of the Saudi Pro League Omar Mugharbel, and Chief Business Officer at stc Group Eng. Riyadh Muawad. The agreement outlines areas of cooperation in digital transformation and the development of technical infrastructure for Saudi football competitions. These initiatives contribute to achieving added economic value by diversifying income sources and expanding the range of services linked to the sector, thereby strengthening the position of sports as a promising investment pathway in line with national ambitions to make the Kingdom a global sports destination.


Gulf Insider
20-04-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Video: Saudi Sports Journalist Abdulaziz Al Qarni Collapses Live On Air
Saudi sports journalist Abdulaziz Al-Qarni suffered a sudden fainting episode live on air while speaking on Saudi Sports Channels about recent decisions from the Saudi Football Federation. A widely circulated clip on the social media platform X shows Al Qarni appearing visibly fatigued before suddenly pausing mid-sentence and collapsing forward onto the desk during a segment discussing the role of Saudi national coaches. The host immediately responded, saying, 'Salamat, Abdulaziz Al Qarni,' a customary Arabic phrase wishing someone well. Shortly after the incident, Al Qarni reassured followers via his official X account, writing, 'Just a mild health scare, Alhamdulillah, I'm fine and in good health.' Al Qarni is a journalist with Mecca newspaper and a seasoned media commentator, having previously served as a radio and television analyst and as a member of the media center and editorial team of Al Ahli Saudi Club. According to Sabq newspaper, Saudi Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al Dosari personally contacted Al Qarni following the incident to check on his condition and extend well wishes for a swift recovery. Sources confirmed that Al Qarni's condition is stable and that he has resumed his regular activities.


Gulf News
19-04-2025
- Health
- Gulf News
Video: Saudi sports journalist Abdulaziz Al Qarni collapses live on air
Dubai: Saudi sports journalist Abdulaziz Al-Qarni suffered a sudden fainting episode live on air while speaking on Saudi Sports Channels about recent decisions from the Saudi Football Federation. A widely circulated clip on the social media platform X shows Al Qarni appearing visibly fatigued before suddenly pausing mid-sentence and collapsing forward onto the desk during a segment discussing the role of Saudi national coaches. The host immediately responded, saying, 'Salamat, Abdulaziz Al Qarni,' a customary Arabic phrase wishing someone well. Shortly after the incident, Al Qarni reassured followers via his official X account, writing, 'Just a mild health scare, Alhamdulillah, I'm fine and in good health.' Al Qarni is a journalist with Mecca newspaper and a seasoned media commentator, having previously served as a radio and television analyst and as a member of the media center and editorial team of Al Ahli Saudi Club. According to Sabq newspaper, Saudi Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al Dosari personally contacted Al Qarni following the incident to check on his condition and extend well wishes for a swift recovery.


Arab Times
04-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Saudi Arabia to host AFC U-17 Championship
RIYADH, March 4: Saudi Arabia is set to host the AFC U-17 Championship from April 3 to 20, featuring 16 teams competing in the cities of Jeddah and Taif. This edition of the tournament introduces a new format, with the top eight teams earning qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which Qatar will host from November 5 to 27, 2025. The upcoming World Cup will make history as the first to feature 48 teams. The draw, held last January, placed host nation Saudi Arabia at the top of Group 1 alongside Uzbekistan, Thailand, and China. Group 2 consists of Japan, Australia, Vietnam, and the UAE, while Group 3 features South Korea, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Indonesia. Group 4 includes Iran, Tajikistan, Oman, and North Korea. Saudi Football Federation President Yasser bin Hassan Al-Misehal welcomed the participating teams, expressing his hopes for a competitive tournament that reflects the strength of Asian football. Al-Misehal emphasized that Saudi Arabia's hosting of the AFC U-17 Championship is part of its broader commitment to staging major sporting events. He credited the Kingdom's leadership for its support of the sports sector, particularly football, and praised the Ministry of Sports for its efforts in ensuring the success of such prestigious tournaments.


Arab Times
29-01-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Saudi Federation apologizes for referee's blunder in Al-Hilal vs Al-Qadisiyah match
RIYADH, Jan 29: The Saudi Football Federation has acknowledged a refereeing error in the Al-Hilal vs Al-Qadisiyah match in the Saudi Premier League, according to local media reports. Al-Qadisiyah secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal on Monday in Dammam, concluding the 17th round of the league. A controversial moment occurred in the 42nd minute when Al-Qadisiyah's Nacho Fernandez made a handball during a joint challenge with Al-Hilal's Sergej Savic, prompting calls for a penalty from the "leader" players. However, Austrian referee Julian Weinberger dismissed these appeals, awarding an indirect free kick to Al-Qadisiyah instead, after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR). Refereeing expert Muhammad Kamal Risha called the decision "strange" in statements to Al-Riyadhiyah. Al-Jazirah newspaper reported that the VAR official advised the on-field referee that Nacho should have been sent off for deliberately handling the ball and that a penalty should have been awarded to Al-Hilal. Despite this, Weinberger stood by his decision, calling it offside. The Saudi Football Federation's referees committee has since confirmed that the decision not to expel Nacho was incorrect, with no valid justification for the call. Meanwhile, the 18th round of the Roshn Professional League kicks off today with three matches: Al-Orobah vs. Al-Ahly, Al-Riyadh vs. Al-Wehda, and Al-Raed vs. Al-Nasr.