Huge fine imposed on Al Shabab club
The Financial Control Committee of the Saudi Professional League announced a hefty fine against Al-Shabab FC after discovering significant violations of the financial regulations governing club operations. According to the official decision, the club was fined two million Saudi riyals (2,000,000 SAR) and warned against repeating such violations in the future.
Details of violations and reasons for punishment
The decision came after a thorough review of the documents and contracts pertaining to Al-Shabab FC's first team. The committee found violations of several key articles in the 2025 financial regulations, most notably:
- Article (9.1) and Article (43.1): relate to public obligations and financial transparency.
- Article (44.2) and Article (44.9): Concern the requirements that must be met by clubs subject to active supervision.
The main violation was the club's management signing contracts with new first-team players without obtaining the necessary prior approvals from the Financial Control Department. This action resulted in the club incurring significant financial obligations for the next two seasons, which directly contradicts the regulations' objectives of achieving financial sustainability for clubs.
General context: Towards strict financial governance in the Saudi League
This penalty comes amidst a historic transformation of the Saudi Professional League, which has become a destination for some of the world's top football stars. With increased spending and massive investments, the league has intensified its efforts to implement strict financial governance standards, similar to the Financial Fair Play regulations in Europe. These regulations aim to ensure the long-term financial stability of clubs, prevent the accumulation of debt, and create a fair competitive environment for all teams. Imposing such penalties underscores the league's commitment to enforcing its regulations impartially, guaranteeing the healthy and sustainable growth of football in the Kingdom.
The importance of the decision and its expected impact
This decision carries significant implications beyond its financial penalty. Locally , it serves as a clear warning to all Saudi Pro League clubs about the absolute necessity of adhering to financial regulations and maintaining transparency in contracts. It may also impact Al-Shabab's transfer plans in the upcoming market, forcing them to reassess their financial strategy. Regionally and internationally , this move enhances the credibility of the Saudi Pro League as a professional league that applies the highest standards of governance and financial management, thereby increasing its appeal to investors, sponsors, and international players seeking a stable and well-regulated sporting environment. The club has the right to appeal the decision before the Saudi Center for Sports Arbitration, in accordance with established procedures.
