Al Ahli Jeddah Secures a Major Sponsorship to Power Its Fan Experience

Strategic Sponsorship Announcement

The management of Al Ahli Saudi FC delivered glad tidings to its fans ahead of the restart of the Saudi Pro League season.

Amir Toufiq, the club's CEO for commercial operations, told Okaz that the Raqi will sign with a new sponsor in a move described as strategic to diversify income and strengthen financial sustainability.

Toufiq said negotiations lasted two months and the deal runs for four years, noting it aligns with the club's strategy to broaden income streams and ensure long-term stability.

He added that the management is aiming to enhance the fan experience by diversifying marketing and fan-focused offerings to raise attendance in upcoming matches. Among upcoming initiatives is the launch of seasonal tickets as part of a package of commercial projects to expand the fanbase and loyalty.

Super Cup and Arbitration Notes

Separately, legal expert Ayman Al-Rifai discussed a scenario in which the Super Cup could be stripped from Al Ahli, should the judiciary system rule in favor of such a move. He explained that for this step, the Saudi Arbitration Center would need to involve Al Ahli as a party in the case.

He noted that Al Qadsiyah has requested to enter the final directly, since the Court of Appeals decided that Al Hilal was defeated 0-3. He explained that Qadsiyah is not a principal party in the case but an intervening party, and arbitrators would decide whether to allow them to play the final immediately.

He added that there would be no dedicated arbitrator for Al Qadsiyah as they are not a principal party; decisions would be issued by the arbitrators' collective decision. He ruled out the possibility of reissuing the Super Cup because the federation's decisions were correct according to the rules. If the cup is canceled, a separate commercial dispute could arise tied to sponsorships.

Meanwhile, Al Hilal announced in July that they would not participate in the Super Cup due to a tight schedule after their participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where they reached the quarterfinals.

Transfer and Briqan Update

In another development, Al Ahli is working to resolve the Feras Al-Briqan issue after Al Fateh filed for arbitration against the international player. German coach Matthias Jaissle plans to rely on Briqan given the uncertain status of English striker Evan Toni and possible January departure, with Premier League clubs reportedly showing interest.

The Saudi newspaper Al-Jazirah noted a senior Al Ahli figure with strong ties to Fateh has intervened to mediate a peaceful settlement ahead of the arbitration ruling expected in the coming days. The center has concluded pleadings, and a ruling is expected soon. Briqan previously joined Al Ahli from Fateh in 2023 and has been a key attacker for the club, having played 92 matches and scored 25 goals with 17 assists for Al Ahli, and 65 matches with 33 goals and 9 assists for Fateh.

Punchline 1: They say money talks; in football, it yells sponsorship at you from every corner flag.

Punchline 2: If loyalty had a price tag, this deal just put it on sale—season tickets included, logo on the couch and every chair in the stadium.