Portuguese coach Jose Gomes, manager of Al-Fateh club, dropped a bombshell during the press conference that preceded his team’s match against Al-Hazm in the 20th round of the Saudi Roshan League, as he demanded that an immediate solution be found to the crisis of delayed payment of players’ salaries, considering that this matter directly affects the team’s stability and focus.
Gomez explained that financial stability is not a luxury, but a fundamental element for preparing players psychologically and mentally for matches. He said, “Some players come to me during training and repeatedly ask when they will be paid. Their minds are preoccupied with their personal and family obligations, and this inevitably affects their performance on the field.” He praised the club's management for their efforts to contain the situation, but stressed that temporary solutions are no longer sufficient.
Background of the crisis in the context of the development of the Saudi League
Gomez's statements come at a highly sensitive time, as the Saudi Professional League (SPL) is experiencing an unprecedented historical boom, attracting international stars and massive investments aimed at placing it among the top 10 leagues in the world. In this context, programs such as the "Sports Club Sustainability Program" have been launched, and strict financial standards have been set to ensure financial efficiency and prevent a recurrence of the crises that were common in the past. Therefore, the emergence of a salary crisis at a club like Al-Fateh raises questions about the equitable application of these standards to all clubs and puts the league's international reputation at risk.
The expected impact of the crisis on the club and the competition
Domestically, this crisis could lead to a decline in the performance of the team striving to improve its position in the league standings. Regionally and internationally, such news could affect the league's appeal to foreign players and coaches seeking a professional and financially stable environment. Gomez expressed his surprise, saying, "Talking about such matters outside the Kingdom might seem unbelievable given the current perception of the Saudi league.".
Acknowledging mistakes and looking towards the future
On the technical side, the Portuguese coach did not shy away from his responsibilities, addressing the recent match against Al-Ittihad, which ended in a draw, and acknowledging some tactical errors. He also commented on the red card he received, indicating that the tension and anger that accompanied the match were the cause, which could be linked to the external pressures the team is facing. Despite this, Gomes considered the draw to have given his players a morale boost, emphasizing that his team deserved a better result. He concluded by stressing the importance of the upcoming match against Al-Hazm, considering victory and securing the three points to be the only objective to overcome this difficult phase.
