Saudi Pro League in Balance: An Ex-President's Sharp Take on Competitiveness

Balance and Identity in the Saudi Pro League

Ahmed Eid, the former president of the Saudi Football Federation, criticized the Roshen Pro League for a lack of competitiveness caused by wide financial gaps among clubs and for missing a clear, shared identity.

In televised remarks he said, "The Saudi League lacks identity; identity is tied to institutional work. Where is the future? Where will the league's revenues come from in the future?"

He noted that while Al Hilal's run in the Club World Cup is commendable, the national team has not presented a figure that transcends club achievements. What happens at club level should echo in the national team; he also pointed to a shortage of Saudi coaches and limited representation among referees and medical staff.

Discussing the league's expansion to 18 teams, Eid argued that the league should grow as the base of football in the kingdom expands. "18 teams is a reasonable number; most venues are adequate, though some require development," he said.

He added that attendance has its determinants, and that stadium pitches are generally good. He stressed that the league must evolve to align with the responsibilities and the scale of spending in the country.

Foreign Players, Development, and Competitive Balance

In the same interview, Eid criticized raising the number of foreign professionals to eight players, warning that this trend disadvantages homegrown Saudi players and limits their opportunities.

He acknowledged that this shift has visibly impacted the national team and urged a long-term plan to train Saudi players from a young age through academies, with a path to compete alongside foreigners or to seek professional experience abroad when opportunities are lacking.

On competitive balance, Eid claimed there is a structural imbalance because some clubs are backed by the Public Investment Fund, others by corporate entities, and yet others rely on government sports funding. He said true fairness would require enabling other clubs to compete on equal terms — there should be shared revenue streams and a distribution model similar to the English Premier League, where broadcast rights revenues are pooled and redistributed to clubs.

He warned that without addressing this gap, fans may lose interest; the likely outcome would be enduring dominance by the wealthiest clubs, with added difficulty in acquiring players. It will be hard to sustain excitement if the financial chasm persists.

Leadership, Talent, and the Question of Naturalization

Eid also criticized the scarcity of Saudi executives in club leadership roles, especially chief executive positions, calling for Saudi advisors to work alongside foreign executives. He argued that sports management is a key factor behind national-team success and that multiple coaches have come and gone without creating a conducive environment for Saudi players.

He rejected the idea of naturalizing players to represent national teams and stressed the importance of social responsibility in how fans engage with football legends. He noted that European countries often honor stars regardless of origin, and that some former Saudi stars did not receive due recognition for their contributions.

Administrative Story: Eid's Career

Ahmed Eid Al-Harbi is regarded as a prominent sports figure in Saudi Arabia, leaving a clear mark as both player and administrator. Born in 1948 in Jeddah, he began as a goalkeeper for Al Ahli, earning a notable presence and representing the national team in regional competitions during the 1970s.

After retirement, he pursued academics, moving to the United States to obtain a master's degree before returning to sports administration. He held several posts at Al Ahli, including board member and vice-president, then president of the club. In 1996 he became the manager of the Saudi national team, strengthening his standing as an administrator able to handle major sporting affairs.

In 2012 he became the first president of the Saudi Football Federation, leading the federation until 2016. During his presidency, he focused on developing administrative and financial structures despite challenges. Later, he continued his international involvement and was named a FIFA Council member in 2019.

Eid remains a central figure in the history of Saudi football, for his contributions as a player, administrator, and international ambassador for the sport in the kingdom.

Punchlines:

Punchline 1: If balance were measured in goals, the league would have solved the issue by now—just not by the same team in every season.

Punchline 2: They say money talks; apparently in Saudi football, it yells "transfer window" louder than the whistle of the referee.