The Saudi sports scene is witnessing significant activity, and at the heart of this movement stands out the efforts of Al-Ahli Club's executive committee, which is working quietly and professionally to propel the club into a phase of achieving success. After a period of challenges and administrative vacuum that the club experienced last year, signs of stability are clearly emerging, promising a bright future that will fulfill the aspirations of Al-Ahli's passionate fans who always stand behind their club.
The historical transformation and the sports privatization project
This administrative development did not occur in a vacuum; rather, it is part of a broader historical context for Saudi sports within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The investment and privatization project for sports clubs, which included transferring ownership of major clubs to the Public Investment Fund, marked a pivotal turning point in the history of Saudi football. This historic shift necessitated the administrative and financial restructuring of clubs to align with the highest international standards of governance. Hence, preparing the club for privatization became a strategic step and a top priority for management to ensure the sustainability of its financial and sporting success.
The role of the executive committee in Al-Ahly Club in restructuring
The executive committee of Al-Ahli Club, headed by Mr. Ahmed Al-Shanqiti, has implemented a genuine administrative revolution. This was evident in the recruitment of international and local talent, such as the appointment of French CEO Fabrice Bouquet, which contributed to the smooth and efficient management of administrative affairs. Despite fan criticism regarding the limited number of winter signings, the administration demonstrated its commitment to strategic support. Al-Ahli Company successfully contracted Portuguese sporting director Pedro and Dr. Mubarak Al-Mutawa to lead the medical staff, in addition to appointing Osama Hawsawi as assistant sporting director. The team was also strengthened with promising young and professional players such as Atangana, Matheus, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, and Zakaria Hawsawi.
The regional and local impact of the return of "The Castle of Cups"
The stability of Al-Ahli Club and its strong return to competition have an impact not only locally, but also regionally and internationally. Locally, Al-Ahli raises the level of competition in the Saudi Professional League, increasing the excitement and strength of the tournament and making it a focus of global attention. Regionally, Al-Ahli boasts a broad fan base in the Arab world, and its return to the podium enhances the marketing value of the Saudi League and attracts more followers. This anticipated impact makes the success of the current administration, led by Khaled Al-Essa and Ahmed Al-Shanqiti, a vital requirement for the success of the Saudi sports project as a whole, especially given the impressive performance of the first football team under the leadership of coach Matthias Jäsle.
The challenges of different games and the need for integration
Despite the successes in football, the administration faces a significant challenge in other sports (such as basketball, volleyball, and handball), which failed to achieve the desired championships this season despite substantial financial support. This decline stems from the urgent need to draw upon the expertise of Al-Ahli's past leaders. This highlights the importance of consulting with experienced figures like Mr. Mohammed Al-Ghamdi and Mr. Fahd Al-Rashoudi, considered the spiritual father of Al-Ahli volleyball and the architect of its glory over the past two decades. Achieving comprehensive success requires teamwork and absolute transparency between the administration and the fans, along with activating the role of the club's media department, led by Abdulaziz Al-Jumai'ah and official spokesperson Majid Al-Fahmi, to bridge differing viewpoints and serve the club's best interests.
