Major shake-up in Saudi Arabia! Clubs find themselves at the center of a revolution
Saudi football’s ownership model is entering a new phase — and Al-Ittihad is facing the sharpest boardroom change.
Details: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport confirmed that the 25% stakes held by nonprofit institutions in Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli will be transferred to the Public Investment Fund. The Ministry also announced the dissolution of the boards of those nonprofit institutions as part of the ownership transition.
According to the reported transition plan, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli will retain their current boards for 90 days. The temporary measure is intended to preserve administrative stability and allow the clubs to complete the change in ownership structure without an immediate leadership overhaul.
Al-Ittihad is the exception. Fahd Sindi’s tenure has ended instead of being extended through the same temporary period, making the Jeddah club the only one of the four to undergo an immediate change at the top during the restructuring.
The move gives PIF direct control of the stakes previously held by the nonprofit institutions and represents another significant change in the governance of Saudi Arabia’s four major clubs. For Al-Ittihad, however, the transition also brings an immediate change in leadership while their three rivals maintain continuity for the coming months.
It is worth noting that Sindi had already said in May that his term was due to end in mid-August and that he did not intend to seek another mandate. His departure therefore comes against the backdrop of a previously announced decision not to continue beyond his existing term.
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Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
