Nail-biting Derby: Al Nassr Defends CEO Powers After Freeze Rumors Ahead of Al Ahli Clash
1 January 2026
Setting the stage for the Al Ahli derby
Saeed Abu Daaesh, the spokesperson for Al Nassr, addressed the rumors about freezing the powers of Samido, the club's chief executive, ahead of the Clasico with Al Ahli. He stressed there has been no freeze and that the club remains focused on leadership continuity.
The club's response and the rumors
The Saudi Pro League showdown is scheduled for Friday as part of the 13th round, with the match taking place at the Enmaa stadium in Jeddah.
In a post on X, Abu Daaesh wrote: "Best of luck to the world under the leadership of the club's CEO, Samido."
Samido was part of the traveling squad headed to Jeddah to face Al Ahli in the classic.
Local newspapers had reported that the board of Al Nassr voted by a majority to freeze Samido's powers and to strip spending authority from all staff, with no spending requests allowed without the approval of the executive committee. The club and the league have not independently confirmed these claims.
Saeed Abu Daaesh also noted that Samido, aged 40, has held multiple positions at the club, from talent scouting to the technical committee, before becoming CEO.
Match details: Saudi Pro League, Al Ahli vs Al Nassr, 2 January 2026, 18:30 local time, Enmaa Stadium, Jeddah.
In closing, may the derby be played with passion, fairness, and a dash of humor. Punchlines: "If rumors were goals, this game goes into extra time."
Punchlines: "The only thing cooler than leadership is the stadium's air conditioning."
