The Saudi Ministry of Sport announced on Monday evening a decisive decision to terminate the mandate of the Al-Shabab Club's board of directors, headed by Khalif bin Abdullah Al-Huwaishan, and appoint a new board headed by Abdulaziz bin Fahd Al-Malik. This decision comes at a crucial juncture for the Riyadh-based club and opens the door to a new phase filled with challenges and aspirations.
In his first comment after assuming the position, the owner expressed his pride and gratitude for the trust placed in him. He posted on his official X platform account, saying:
"O God, help me to serve Al-Shabab Club, bless my work, and make me worthy of trust and deserving of confidence.".
In his message, he added: “On behalf of the Board of Directors and myself, I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to our wise leadership – may God protect them – for their continued support of the sports sector. I also extend my special thanks to His Highness the Minister of Sports and the Ministry of Sports for their precious trust in appointing me as President of Al Shabab Club. This is a great responsibility and an honor that I cherish, to serve my country through this prestigious institution.”.
Context of the decision and its importance
The Ministry of Sports' decision is based on Article 95, Paragraph 100 of the Basic Regulations for Sports Clubs, which grants the Ministry the authority to take the necessary measures to ensure the stability of clubs. This change comes at a time when the Saudi sports sector is undergoing a comprehensive transformation, supported by the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to raise the level of governance, administrative and financial efficiency in sports clubs, and enhance their competitiveness both locally and internationally.
Al Shabab Club: A rich history and renewed ambitions
Al-Shabab, nicknamed "The Sheikh of Clubs" and "The White Lion," is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Saudi Arabia, having been founded in 1947. The club boasts a rich history of achievements, including six Saudi League titles, the King's Cup, the Crown Prince Cup, and several continental titles. This illustrious past places a significant responsibility on the new management to return the team to its former glory and fulfill the aspirations of its vast fan base, who hope to see their team become a strong contender in the increasingly competitive Saudi League, which has garnered global attention.
Expected impact and future challenges
The new management is expected to focus urgently on several key issues, most notably restructuring the first football team, finalizing contracts with local and international players, and appointing a coaching staff capable of achieving the club's ambitions. The management will also face the challenge of achieving financial and administrative stability and developing a long-term strategy to ensure the club's sustainability and continued success. The success of the new management will not only benefit Al-Shabab Club but will also contribute to strengthening the Saudi League as a whole, thus serving the strategic goals of Saudi sports at both the regional and global levels.
