Murad Hawsawi's transfer to Al-Hilal saves Ohod Club from debt and a transfer ban

Sports circles in Medina are anticipating a major financial breakthrough for Al-Ahli Club, as the club’s treasury is expected to be boosted in the next few days by a sum of money representing 40% of the value of the transfer deal of its former star, left-back Murad Hawsawi, from Al-Khaleej Club to Al-Hilal Club, the Saudi Professional League champion.

The role of the Ministry of Sports and the preservation of rights

Informed sources told Okaz newspaper that the Ministry of Sports is giving considerable attention to the outstanding financial dues owed to Ohod Club. The Ministry has expedited the transfer of the amount owed, in accordance with the agreement previously reached when the player transferred to Al-Khaleej Club. This government action comes in recognition of the difficult financial circumstances facing the club and to ensure the continued operation of sports institutions.

The importance of the deal in ending FIFA's crises

This influx of funds is of paramount importance at a critical juncture, as it is expected to contribute to resolving the club's outstanding cases with FIFA. The club faced a significant challenge with 24 pending cases, the majority of which have been successfully settled by the current administration through diligent efforts. Only one case remains, awaiting resolution upon the club's share of the Housawi transfer fee being deposited. Resolving these cases is the key to unlocking the transfer market and lifting the ban that has severely hampered the club's activity.

Financial reality and debt challenges

This breakthrough comes at a time when the club's general assembly revealed alarming figures, with the club's debt reaching approximately 60 million riyals. Faced with these challenges, Khalid Ruwaifed Al-Saadi's administration is implementing a strict austerity strategy, successfully reducing operating costs by over 62% compared to last year. The administration is grappling with a significant gap between revenues and expenses, as the monthly subsidy from the Ministry of Sports amounts to 233,000 riyals, a meager sum compared to the monthly obligations and salaries of players and technical staff.

Roadmap to saving the season

The current administration is struggling to manage expensive professional contracts, such as those of Mohamed Al-Otaibi (100,000 riyals per month) and Mohamed Hussein Abdulghani (50,000 riyals per month), in addition to the salaries of the coaching staff for eight age groups in football and three levels in basketball. If the club succeeds in lifting the transfer ban, the administration will immediately begin implementing a rescue plan that includes signing new players to bolster the first football team, which is currently at the bottom of the second division league table, with 13 crucial rounds remaining that could determine the fate of the historic club.