Following Al-Shabab’s crushing defeat to Al-Ahli by a score of five goals to nil, the club’s president, Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Malik, made urgent statements in which he took part of the responsibility for the loss on himself, and revealed administrative and technical challenges facing the team during the current season of the Saudi Professional League.
The owner's remarks came after the match, which was held at Al-Inma Stadium as part of the 22nd round of the competition. The club president acknowledged clear technical errors during the game, saying, "The mistakes today were technical, and we take responsibility for them. I can bear some responsibility for today's loss ." The owner indicated that the administration sought to address some of the team's shortcomings during the winter transfer window, but faced obstacles that prevented the completion of some deals, particularly regarding foreign players.
General context and challenges of the season
This defeat adds to the pressure on Al-Shabab, who are having an inconsistent season that has fallen short of their fans' expectations. Al-Shabab currently sit near the bottom of the league table, far from the Asian Champions League qualification spots they are accustomed to competing for. Matches between Al-Shabab and Al-Ahli are considered classics in Saudi football, given the clubs' rich history and massive fan bases, making the result of this fixture a significant factor influencing the morale of both players and supporters.
The owner alluded to administrative challenges related to player registration, stating, “We made three promises. The first, concerning local players, was fulfilled. The second, regarding foreign players, was rejected. We have submitted the third request multiple times, and I hope the Ministry will approve it today.” These statements reflect the difficulties faced by clubs not owned by the Public Investment Fund in matching the immense purchasing power of the four major clubs, creating a disparity in their ability to attract world-class players capable of making a real difference.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Domestically, this heavy defeat puts Al Shabab's management and coaching staff under immense pressure to reassess their strategy and rectify their mistakes before the crisis worsens. The president's statements are expected to spark debate within sporting circles regarding the balance of power in the Roshan League and the challenges facing other clubs amidst massive recruitment drives. Regionally and internationally, the Roshan League enjoys widespread attention, and results like this highlight the technical and financial disparities between its clubs, which could impact the overall competitiveness of the league in the long run. Al Shabab's future this season hinges on its management's ability to overcome the current obstacles and rebuild confidence within the team to achieve positive results in the remaining matches.
