Al-Takhyel Al-Riyadi Company, the official agent of Saudi international goalkeeper and Al-Nassr FC defender Nawaf Al-Aqidi, announced that it is taking decisive legal action in response to the recent smear campaigns targeting the player. Based on a decision by the company's board of directors, Musadaqa Law Firm has been officially appointed to handle the case and submit it to the relevant authorities, with the aim of fully restoring the player's rights after a comprehensive and thorough review of all media transgressions and slander that circulated following the derby match between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
This step comes as part of efforts to protect players from undue pressure that falls outside the bounds of sportsmanship. The Riyadh derby between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr is known to attract a massive audience both locally and across the Arab world, and is often accompanied by intense media and fan debate. However, the company clarified in its statement that recent events have crossed the line of acceptable technical criticism and the fans' right to express themselves, reaching the point of personal attacks and the dissemination of false information through social media platforms and some media outlets. This constitutes a clear violation of the regulations and laws in force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which criminalize cybercrimes and defamation.
In a related context, this legal move aligns with the general directives of the Kingdom's sports and media leadership. The measure is based on the outcomes of the important meeting held in late November on Shura Island in the Red Sea, which brought together His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport, His Excellency Salman Al-Dossari, Minister of Media, and a select group of media professionals. That meeting emphasized the necessity of adhering to professional ethics and promoting a positive media role in supporting the progress of Saudi sports, in accordance with the objectives of "Vision 2030," which seeks to create a professional sports environment free from bias and abuse.
The sports agency Al-Takheel Sports affirmed its deep respect for the awareness and unwavering support of Al-Nassr fans, noting that the aim of these measures is to provide the appropriate psychological and mental environment for goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi. Al-Aqidi is considered a cornerstone of the future of Saudi goalkeeping, and maintaining his focus is a national interest that will benefit both the Saudi national team and his club, steering him away from distractions that hinder the development of Saudi football.
