Jordanian refereeing expert Ahmed Abu Khadija has settled the controversy surrounding the validity of the goal scored by French star Karim Benzema, the Al-Ittihad striker, against Al-Akhdoud in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. In exclusive statements to Al-Midan Al-Riyadi, Abu Khadija confirmed that the goal, which secured the victory for Al-Ittihad, was perfectly legitimate and that the referee's decision to award it was correct.
The expert's statement put an end to the discussions that had been circulating in sporting circles and on social media following the match held at Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Stadium. Abu Khadija explained, "Karim Benzema's goal for Al-Ittihad was valid. There were no errors or offside, and the referee's decision to award the goal to Al-Ittihad was correct." With this confirmation, the matter of this refereeing decision, which had preoccupied many, is now closed, especially given the intense competition in the league this season.
The general context of the match and its importance
This match comes at a crucial time in the season for Al-Ittihad, the reigning league champions. The team is striving to improve its position in the standings and return to contention for the top spots after a period of inconsistent results. A victory against Al-Akhdoud was essential to maintain pressure on the leading teams, and Benzema's goal, scored in the final minutes of the match, represents a significant morale boost for the team and its fans. This goal also reflects the considerable technical value that the Ballon d'Or winner has brought to the Saudi league since joining from Real Madrid.
Impact of the event on the reputation of the Saudi League
With the Saudi Professional League (SPL) attracting global attention after the arrival of major international stars, refereeing decisions are now under greater scrutiny than ever before. Such controversial incidents contribute to increased excitement and viewership, but their resolution by impartial experts reinforces public confidence in the integrity of the competition and the standard of refereeing. While the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system reduces errors, post-match analysis remains an integral part of football culture and contributes to the development of the entire sporting system. Resolving these controversies quickly underscores the transparency of match management, which benefits the league's overall image both regionally and internationally.
