Football - Int News
FOOTBALL - Int News 31 Dec, 2024
Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): Te Saudi Pro League (SPL) has announced its preparations for the upcoming 2024/25 winter transfer window, which will run from January 1 to January 30, 2025. These preparations highlight the league’s commitment to supporting clubs by facilitating player transfers, improving governance and planning, ensuring player welfare, and enhancing financial sustainability.The SPL held a series of intensive workshops with its member clubs to assess their specific needs and objectives for the winter transfer window. These workshops aim to provide tailored support to clubs, enabling them to continue achieving success on and off the pitch. This includes facilitating transfers between clubs within the league.During the 2024 summer transfer window, clubs utilised 16 of the 36 available slots for foreign players under the age of 21. Thirteen clubs signed at least one U21 foreign player, while five clubs did not make any signings in this category. The remaining slots provide opportunities for further reinforcements during the winter window.Additionally, all 18 clubs reached the maximum allowance of eight foreign players over the age of 21 per squad by the end of the summer transfer window. Consequently, new signings in this category during the winter window will require clubs to terminate contracts, sell players, or deregister squad members. The SPL will work closely with clubs and the Financial Sustainability Committee to ensure compliance with league policies and regulations.Key outcomes from the 2024/25 summer transfer window include:Average player age decrease: The average player age in the league dropped from 27.6 years to 26.2 years, reflecting a focus on younger talent acquisition.Player movements: A total of 115 domestic players were registered, while 132 departed due to end of contracts, sales, or contract terminations. Meanwhile, 101 foreign players joined the league, and 32 foreign players departed due to end of contracts, sales, or contract terminations.The SPL reiterated that it remains dedicated to fostering transparency and collaboration with clubs while continuing to enhance the league’s competitiveness and organizational excellence.As part of its transformation strategy, the SPL aims to position the Saudi Pro League among the world’s leading football leagues. This strategy focuses on five main pillars:• Developing & attracting elite talent• Build genuine connections with fans and communities• Elevate all clubs• Expand reach and revenue• Drive economic and societal impact
FOOTBALL - Int News 29 Dec, 2024
Islamabad (PR): Gerry's Diplomatic Football League Season-8 kicked off with a series of exciting matches in the capital city Islamabad. The Season 8 of the Gerry's Diplomatic Football League is marking a vibrant start with some thrilling matches.A total of 18 teams are competing in the league, divided into two groups, battling through the league stage to secure spots in the knockout rounds. In Group B, MOFA, Big Bird, and Central Asia United are leading the pack with six points each, showcasing strong early performances.Meanwhile, in Group A, Trio Homes and Nigeriaare setting the pace as group leaders.The league has attracted the diplomatic community in Islamabad where more than 25 different nationalities are participating, with approximately 280 players contributing to the international camaraderie and competitive spirit.Event is being hosted at Iqra University, the official venue partner for the tournament. The event will culminate in a grand final at the end of February next year 2025. The league is proudly title-sponsored by Gerry's and powered by RBS, with additional sponsorship from Trio Homes, Jupi Media and Tours, Joma, and Alamco Duty-Free.The event is organized by its founder, Mubasher Sanjrani, CEO of Sanjrani Oxen Enterprises, who is also participating in the league as a representative of Joma United. The league continues to be a platform for fostering international relations, sportsmanship, and community engagement.The Diplomatic Football League has undoubtedly established itself as one of the most renowned and highly anticipated events among diplomats in Pakistan. Its growing popularity not only highlights the enthusiasm for sports within the diplomatic community but also serves as a testament to the friendly and peaceful image of Pakistan.The Diplomatic league fosters unity, mutual respect, and cultural exchange, showcasing Pakistan as a welcoming host and a hub for international camaraderie. Events like these underline the country's commitment to diplomacy through sports and strengthen its position as a promoter of global peace and cooperation.
FOOTBALL - Int News 07 Dec, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportDoha (Qatar): Pakistan and Saudi Arabia played out a 1-1 draw in a thrilling FIFA Women's International Friendly match held in Aspire Academy, Doha, Qatar. The match saw both teams put up a strong fight, with Saudi Arabia taking the lead in the first half before Pakistan responded late to level the score. Saudi Arabia had the upper hand at halftime, leading 1-0. The breakthrough for the Saudi team came in the 39th minute when Talah Alghamdi found the back of the net, giving her side a crucial lead going into the break. However, Pakistan made a spirited comeback in the second half. In the 88th minute, Pakistan's Sohai Herani delivered a stunning equalizer off a well-executed corner kick. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams sharing the spoils after an intense encounter.
FOOTBALL - Int News 27 Nov, 2024
Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Pro League (SPL) and OneFootball have announced a new partnership aimed at expanding the global visibility of one of the world’s fastest-growing football leagues. Through this collaboration, the SPL will publish and amplify official video and editorial content across OneFootball, bringing fans closer to the action worldwide than ever before.As part of this partnership, OneFootball will feature video content across its platforms, including content from the SPL’s official social channels. Fans can look forward to engaging match clips, highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, and viral moments in vertical and horizontal formats. This initiative aims to enhance the fan experience by providing compelling visual narratives throughout the season.In addition to video content, OneFootball will offer official editorial coverage from the SPL in English, ensuring that fans can access timely updates, in-depth analysis, and expert commentary throughout the season.Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, said: “We are delighted to partner with OneFootball to bring Saudi Pro League content to football fans across the globe. This collaboration is an important step in our commitment to increasing international engagement and providing fans everywhere with a closer connection to the excitement and passion of Saudi football.”Patrick Fischer, CEO at OneFootball, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Saudi Pro League to showcase the incredible talent and excitement of football in the region. This collaboration will elevate the league’s content and enhance the overall fan experience, bringing the vibrant world of Saudi football to a wider audience.”In a dynamic start to their new collaboration, representatives from OneFootball recently travelled to Saudi Arabia to cover the Saudi Pro League’s highly anticipated 'Derby Week,' attending the 'Sea Derby' in Jeddah between Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, as well as the 'Capital Derby' in Riyadh, featuring Al Nassr versus Al Hilal. OneFootball’s on-ground presence brought fans closer to the action with exclusive social media content, behind-the-scenes moments, and in-depth interviews with league representatives, managers, and players, delivering unparalleled insights into one of the most thrilling weeks in Saudi football and showcasing the exciting potential of this groundbreaking partnership.OneFootball will be a primary outlet for publishing the SPL's official text and video content, leveraging its extensive reach to amplify the league's visibility across global audiences. The strategic collaboration aims to enhance global coverage of the SPL by integrating official content into OneFootball’s ecosystem, enhancing fan engagement and fostering a deeper connection between the league and its supporters (Press Release).
FOOTBALL - Int News 01 Nov, 2024
LAHORE (PR): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the completion of its contract with Stephen Constantine, head coach of the Pakistan Men’s Football Team.Appointed by the Haroon Malik-led Pakistan Football Federation Normalisation Committee as Head Coach in September 2023, Stephen Constantine guided Pakistan to a historic achievement with its first-ever victory in the first round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, securing a 1-0 win over Cambodia at Islamabad's Jinnah Stadium.In a heartfelt message, Stephen Constantine said: "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the PFF for entrusting me with the incredible opportunity to lead the Pakistan National Team through some of its most historic achievements. The unforgettable scenes at Jinnah Sports Stadium on October 17, 2023—when our 1-0 victory over Cambodia secured Pakistan’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers—will forever be etched in memory. To my staff—every individual on and off the pitch—you were phenomenal. Few will ever truly understand the level of commitment and sacrifice you poured into this journey. Your dedication was invaluable to our mission, and it was an honor to lead alongside you. Thank you for everything you did for me, the team, and the country."In a message to the fans, he said: "To the people of Pakistan—the fans, and everyone who cares deeply about football—it has been a privilege to lead the Shaheens over the past year. Your support from beginning to end has meant everything to us, and I am grateful to each of you. To the players—you achieved something unparalleled for Pakistan Football, and you did it with heart and style. You made history, and you reignited hope for 250 million people who believe in Pakistan Football once more."Chairman NC, Haroon Malik said: “PFF and the football community will forever remember his World Cup qualifier match victory. His invaluable contributions to Pakistani football left an indelible mark in history”
FOOTBALL - Int News 20 Oct, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) signed a historic new agreement with Unilever’s Rexona to become an official partner of the Saudi Arabia Women’s National Team programme. The new three-year agreement represents the first official partner to the Kingdom’s women’s national programme across all levels, as part of the rapid rise of women’s football in Saudi Arabia.The new agreement sees the Saudi Arabia Women’s National Programme partner with one of women’s football’s biggest supporters, Rexona. As the world’s top deodorant and antiperspirant brand, Rexona and its parent company, Unilever have become a key partner to women’s football across the globe, with key sponsorship roles with FIFA and the Women’s World Cup in recent years.As an extension of Rexona’s international efforts to support the growth of women’s sports, this new chapter is a major milestone for Rexona in becoming an official sponsor for the Saudi Arabian Women’s National Teams, with both partners aiming to break new ground in developing the women’s game nationwide in the Kingdom.Since the launch of the Saudi women’s National Team in 2021, the game has advanced at an exceptional pace, with women’s national teams introduced across various levels and the SAFF Women’s Premier League introduced in 2022 for its first season as a result.This new partnership will support SAFF in continuing to provide opportunities to women and young girls across the Kingdom to participate in the world’s game and advance women’s football in Saudi Arabia.During the official signing ceremony on Sunday, SAFF Head of Women’s Football, Aalia Al Rasheed welcomed Khalil Yassine, Head of Unilever Arabia and Head of Customer Development, to Al Awwal Park in the capital to begin the new multi-year partnership.Aalia AlRasheed, Head of Women's Football Department at SAFF, said: “We are delighted to announce this new partnership for our Women’s National Programme with Rexona and Unilever, a key figure in the global growth of women’s football. We have immense pride of how the women’s game and development of our Saudi Arabia Women’s National Programme has progressed in recent years, and this is the next step in continuing to reach new heights for women’s football and our national team programme in the years to come.”With the continued success of the SAFF Women’s Premier League now in its third season, and the progress of women’s football at grassroots level with over 77,000 female players in the Kingdom’s schools leagues, the new partnership will support in providing new opportunities for girls across Saudi Arabia to get involved in the sport.
FOOTBALL - Int News 29 Sep, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): This evening, Lamia Bahaian, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), was pleased to welcome Knizat Ibrahim, Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and Said Athouman, President of the Comoros Football Federation, to the match between Al Hilal and Eastern Flames in the first round of the 2024-25 Saudi Women’s Premier League season. Their presence was particularly significant given the participation of over 15 African players from 10 countries currently playing in the Saudi Women’s Premier League. Two African players from Al Hilal, Mavis Owusu from Ghana and Claudia Dabda from Cameroon featured prominently in the match, with Mavis Owusu scoring a hattrick and Claudia Dabda adding another goal to secure a 4-0 victory for Al Hilal. Following the match, Lamia Bahaian, Knizat Ibrahim, and Said Athouman spoke with Mavis Owusu and Claudia Dabda to commend them on their exceptional performances.Knizat Ibrahim and Said Athouman are currently in Riyadh as part of the CAF delegation that attended the 2024 CAF Super Cup final, held yesterday at the Kingdom Arena, where Al Ahly faced Zamalek. Beyond hosting the 2023 and 2024 CAF Super Cups in Saudi Arabia, SAFF and CAF have undertaken numerous initiatives together, including programs focused on coaching, refereeing, and the exchange of expertise, which have added great value to both organizations.Their visit provided an opportunity to discuss the rapid growth of Saudi women’s football and explore strategies for future collaboration to further enhance the development of the women’s game in the region. As long-term partners, both sides agreed to continue strengthening this relationship, with potential initiatives such as the participation of Saudi schools in the upcoming African School Championships and organizing events dedicated to women’s football.The collaboration between SAFF and CAF has already produced tangible outcomes, such as a coaching workshop held last May in Riyadh for 32 Saudi and African female coaches, led by international experts. This initiative facilitated a valuable exchange of football knowledge and has yielded significant results, further strengthening the partnership between the two organizations.Additionally, the partnership between SAFF and CAF has enabled the Saudi Women’s National Teams to play a number of friendly matches, including games against the national teams of Seychelles and Comoros, and the U20 Saudi National Team facing Mauritania.
FOOTBALL - Int News 27 Sep, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): Following a summer of high anticipation, the third season of the Saudi Women’s Premier League has kicked off on Friday.The 2024-25 season is featuring 10 clubs for the first time, competing in 90 matches across an 18-game week season of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s (SAFF) Women’s Premier League, with the league aiming to inspire a new generation of female footballers.In a clash of last year’s top sides, Saudi Women’s Premier League champions Al Nassr opened their title defence at home to SAFF First Division League champions Al-Ula FC on Friday 27 September. The first match of the new season will feature league debuts for Al Nassr’s new head coach, Sandro Mendes as well as former Real Madrid defender Kathellen Sousa.
FOOTBALL - Int News 16 Sep, 2024
Over 20 nationalities, 200 players: 90 matches to be played during 18-week soccer festivalSports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Women’s Premier League prepares to reach new heights as the nation’s top women’s division returns to action on Friday (September 27, 2024).With 90 matches set to take place across the 18-match week campaign of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s (SAFF) Women’s Premier League, the third season of top tier professional women’s football in the Kingdom will see the game reach new levels in 2024-25, with over 200 players registered for the new season.Ahead of the new campaign, the league saw over 15 new international signings join the 10 clubs, resulting in the total number of player nationalities reaching more than 20. The influx of international talent to the Saudi Women’s Premier League is a testament to the growth of women’s football in the Kingdom, following on from the qualification of Al Nassr to the Preliminary Stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League in August.The new season’s kick-off campaign - titled ‘See Us Play’ - invites football fans to celebrate women’s football in Saudi Arabia. With a new generation of football fans emerging in the Kingdom, including 77,000 female players in the nation’s school league, the Women’s Premier League will provide supporters with memorable moments across the new season.SAFF President, Yasser Al Misehal said: “We’re very proud of the growth of women’s football in Saudi Arabia and excited to see the return of the Women’s Premier League. The Federation’s investment in women’s football is clearly working so we will continue to increase our investments at all levels. As we go into the third season of the league, we have more registered players, football clubs, domestic competitions, national teams, licensed coaches, referees, and girls participating in the regional training centers and the school’s league than ever before. I congratulate our Women’s Football Department on this initiative, and wish the players, clubs and officials good luck and in the spirit of the campaign, encourage everyone across Saudi and beyond to #SeeUsPlay. We have so many historic clubs and passionate fans who support them but there is new history to write, and these players simply deserve your support. Everyone benefits from the noise and energy you will bring.”Head of Women’s Football at SAFF, Aalia Al Rasheed said: “The development we have seen for the Saudi Women’s Premier League over the past two seasons has been remarkable, going from having no professional female players to now having over 20 nationalities competing here in Saudi Arabia. It has been an incredible experience to witness how this game is inspiring a new generation, with players who saw the formation of our national team in 2021 now joining the women’s professional league and professional women’s clubs now competing on the international stage. The Saudi Women’s Premier League continues to develop rapidly with international players now eager to join our clubs and the formation of youth clubs and leagues to support the emerging talents of Saudi football and highlight the unique international stars to join the league this season. The record growth at a grassroots level is what we are most proud of, but we are looking forward to seeing how this continues to develop in the coming season, inspired by our new #SeeUsPlay campaign.”
FOOTBALL - Int News 29 Aug, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): Back-to-back Saudi Women’s Premier League champions Al Nassr secured a second successive victory in the preliminary group stage in the AFC Women’s Champions league to top Group A going into the final round this weekend.The Riyadh club, representing the Kingdom as the first Saudi side to compete in Asia’s premier continental women’s club competition, provided a dominant display on Tuesday on their way to sealing a 3-0 victory against Young Elephants FC of Laos.Algerian midfielder Lina Boussaha opened the scoring with a stunning free kick ahead of half time, before new summer signing Ruth Kipoyi doubled Al Nassr’s advantage going into the half time break. The former Galatasary attacker darted into the box before sending a stunning strike into the top corner for her first goal for the Riyadh club.Sandro Mendes’ side started the second half as they finished, with Tanzanian striker Clara Luvanga firing a low finish for her third goal in two AFC Women’s Champions League matches.Basma Al Shenaifi said: “It means so much to me to be playing at this level. The girls have been so helpful, I’m always learning from them. In every training session they always come and help me so I can improve my game. They have inspired me to play with confidence, not be afraid to make mistakes. It’s been a great start to the season for me.”Tuesday’s win sees Al Nassr sit atop Group A with two wins from two matches, setting up a table-topping clash with UAE-side Abu Dhabi Country Club in the final fixture of the Group A Preliminary Stages.Al Nassr stopper Sara Khalid sees her side continuing to build on its strong foundations following two consecutive shutouts to make progress towards the goal of achieving AFC Women’s Champions League qualification.Sara Khalid said: “Before we came into the group, we said the aim was to win the three games. We have 6 points so far so we’re working towards the next 3 points now. There has been a really strong chemistry between myself and the backline so far which is positive. We have been training well together to develop that, and with every game, we enter with the aim of keeping a clean sheet to not concede no matter who the opponent is. We’ve managed to keep the two clean sheets which has helped us build our way into the game. We have our identity, our style, and we’ll keep building on this”.
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