A crucial match in the Saudi Roshan League requires international experience
Saudi football fans will be glued to their screens tonight for the highly anticipated clash between Al-Hilal and Al-Riyadh in the 18th round of the Saudi Professional League. Given the importance of the match, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Referees Committee has assigned the task of officiating to Venezuelan international referee Jesús Valenzuela, a highly regarded name in international refereeing circles thanks to his extensive experience and impressive track record of managing major matches.
Historical background and eventful history of Venezuelan rule
Jesús Valenzuela, 42, began his international refereeing career in 2013 and has since become one of South America's most prominent referees. Valenzuela built his reputation by officiating crucial matches in major tournaments such as the Copa Libertadores and Copa América, culminating in his participation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, reflecting the high level of trust placed in him by continental and international federations. Throughout his career, the Venezuelan referee has officiated 362 official matches, a figure that highlights his extensive experience in handling various situations and pressures on the pitch.
Numbers reflect a strict refereeing personality
Valenzuela's precise statistics demonstrate his firm approach to enforcing the rules, having issued 1,793 yellow cards and 106 red cards, showing his zero tolerance for rough play or unsportsmanlike conduct. His awarding of 100 penalties throughout his career also reflects his boldness in making crucial decisions within the penalty area, a hallmark of top referees. These figures do not indicate recklessness, but rather precision and the ability to control the flow of the game and ensure fairness between the competing teams.
His expected impact and historical memories with Al-Hilal
This isn't the first time Valenzuela has officiated a match for Al-Hilal. He has previously refereed three matches for the Saudi club, each leaving a distinct mark. The most memorable match for Al-Hilal fans remains the one against Brazilian side Flamengo in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final, which Valenzuela officiated and which saw Al-Hilal achieve a historic 3-2 victory, securing their place in the final – an unprecedented achievement for Saudi football. He also officiated another Al-Hilal match that ended in a draw against Al-Wahda in the Saudi Professional League, and a third match that the team lost on penalties against Al-Ittihad in the King's Cup. This varied history makes his presence in today's match an added element of excitement and anticipation.
The importance of attracting elite referees to the Saudi League
The appointment of a referee of Jesús Valenzuela's caliber comes as part of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's strategy to raise the standard of refereeing in the Roshan League, in line with the significant development the league is witnessing through the attraction of international stars. The presence of elite referees ensures that matches are managed according to the highest international standards and contributes to enhancing the league's global image as one of the most competitive and prestigious leagues.
