Al Wahda club's debt crisis: A 6 million riyal ruling and Hatem Khimi's troubles
Informed sources revealed to Okaz newspaper new and dramatic developments within the Saudi club Al-Wahda, where the relevant authorities issued a binding court ruling obligating the club's management to pay a substantial sum of six million Saudi riyals. This ruling is in favor of the team's former German coach, Josef Zinnbauer, as outstanding financial dues, presenting Al-Wahda's management with a new financial challenge, adding to the series of obstacles currently facing the "Knights of Mecca.".
Accumulating debt threatens the club's stability
The case of coach Zeinbauer is not the only issue troubling Al-Wahda fans; according to sources, the club is facing a growing number of financial claims. In the past few days, President Hatem Khimi's administration received two court rulings: one in favor of player Azzam Al-Bishi for one million riyals, and the other to an investor in women's gymnastics, also for one million riyals. With these new rulings, the total outstanding financial claims against the club jump to eight million riyals, a figure that places a heavy burden on the club's budget.
Critical timing and negative impacts on the team's future
This crippling financial crisis comes at a highly sensitive time, as the current administration strives to revitalize the club's teams, especially the football team. It is well known in sporting circles that financial stability is the backbone of any sporting success, as competing in the professional league requires investing millions of riyals to sign high-caliber local and international players, in addition to attracting competent technical staff. These debts stand as a major obstacle to the administration's ambitions in implementing its development plans and rescuing the various sports from their current predicament, raising concerns among Al-Wahda fans about the future of their historic club, founded in 1916 and considered a cornerstone of Saudi sports.
Calls for intervention from the Ministry of Sports and the private sector
Given this complex situation, sports observers believe that a solution may require urgent intervention from the Ministry of Sports, in active partnership with the private sector and businessmen who support the Makkah club, to find a settlement formula for these debts. The continuation of this crisis could jeopardize the club's ability to obtain a financial solvency certificate, which would prevent it from registering new players and negatively impact the team's performance and league position.
The health condition of club president Hatem Khimi
Meanwhile, administrative and financial pressures have taken a toll on the health of club president Hatem Khimi. After 24 hours of observation, the medical team overseeing his case recommended that he completely avoid work and stressful situations. The doctors emphasized the importance of him resting at home for five days, and advised him to refrain from receiving any club-related news to prevent any emotional distress that could worsen his condition. Khimi is currently undergoing close monitoring and routine checkups to ensure his condition remains stable, amidst well wishes from the sports community for his speedy recovery.
