Al-Ahli Club, a venerable sports institution in Medina and the third oldest club in Saudi Arabia, is going through one of the most difficult periods in its more than nine-decade history. This entity, whose name is synonymous with the "Good City" (Madinah Al-Munawwarah) and its loyal fans, finds itself in an unprecedented situation, with a series of setbacks across its various sports teams, amidst troubling questions about its future and the absence of any fundamental solutions.
Historical background: From basketball's glory days to a bitter reality
Founded in 1936, Uhud Club has since been an integral part of the social and sporting fabric of Medina. Known for its strength and resilience, the club has always risen from the ashes, relying on its dedicated members and limited resources. Its teams, particularly the basketball team, have achieved enduring glory in Saudi sporting history, dominating championships for many years and serving as a primary source of players for the national teams. However, the situation today is drastically different. Over the past two years, signs of decline have become increasingly apparent, with administrative and financial errors accumulating without decisive action, bringing the club to a critical juncture where there is no longer room for complacency or delay.
A multi-dimensional crisis: the collapse of football and basketball
The crisis wasn't confined to a single sport; it extended to the club's two main pillars. In basketball, the sport that once carried the torch of Al-Ahli's glory, the decline was painful. The first team was relegated, but the Saudi Basketball Federation intervened, respecting the club's history and granting it a new opportunity. However, its current results and last-place ranking confirm that the crisis runs deeper than a mere stumble. In football, the picture is even bleaker, with the team's relegation to the third division confirmed after finishing at the bottom of the "Yellow" First Division league table with disastrous results, suffering consecutive losses without a single win or draw up to the 21st round. This simultaneous decline demonstrates that the problem isn't purely technical, but rather a structural crisis affecting management, planning, and financial stability.
Importance and impact: Where are the investors amid the sports transformation?
At a time when Saudi sports are experiencing a historic boom, fueled by the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the club investment and privatization project, Uhud Club seems to be left out. While attention and funds are focused on the top clubs, long-established clubs like Uhud are left to face an uncertain future. This situation raises a fundamental question: Where are the investors and businesspeople for this historic institution? The club possesses rare investment potential, most notably its modern, integrated facilities strategically located on three main and vital streets. These assets can be transformed into commercial, sports, and academic projects that generate sustainable income and turn the financial burden into an economic resource, restoring balance to the club. Uhud's history, its large fan base, and its untapped assets are all factors capable of attracting quality investments if a clear vision, stable management, and a viable growth plan are in place. The time has come to develop a clear rescue plan with a defined timeline. History alone does not protect entities; rather, sound management, a clear vision, and genuine will are the true lifelines.
