Shocking decision. Al-Ahli removes Roberto Firmino from the squad list
Roberto Firmino will no longer be able to play for Al-Ahli for the remainder of the Saudi Pro League season. The Brazilian forward, who scored five goals in 17 matches for the Jeddah-based club this season, has been removed from the squad to make room for new signing Galeno, who was acquired from Porto for £42 million in January.
Details: According to Saudi Pro League rules, clubs are allowed to have no more than 10 foreign players in their squad, and both Galeno and Firmino are Brazilian players.
Al-Ahli's coach Matthias Jaissle explained that the decision to exclude Firmino was difficult but necessary to comply with the rules. He added that the club values the player highly, noting that Firmino continues to be one of the team's leaders.
Although Firmino will not participate in the remaining 15 league matches, he still has the right to play for Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League. The team has already secured a spot in the knockout rounds by winning six out of seven matches in Group B.
Reminder: Firmino's contract with the club runs until June 2026, but if he decides to leave earlier, Al-Ahli may consider terminating his contract early if he finds a new club.
Alex Olise
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
