The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation issued today a package of decisive disciplinary decisions affecting a number of clubs in various divisions, most notably a fine imposed on Al-Ittihad Club , in addition to penalties imposed on Al-Bairaq, Arar and Najran clubs, as part of the committee’s efforts to enforce order and implement the regulations governing Saudi competitions.
Details of Al-Ittihad club's fine and the fans' punishment
In a landmark decision, the committee fined Al-Ittihad Club 200,000 Saudi Riyals. Not content with the financial penalty, the committee also mandated that the club play its next home match in the Saudi Professional League (Roshan League) behind closed doors. However, the committee suspended the penalty of playing without spectators for four months, meaning it will be enforced immediately if the violation is repeated during this period.
This strong penalty comes in the wake of the exciting Jeddah derby events against Al-Ahli Club, where the match observer’s report and official authorities recorded Al-Ittihad fans bringing a banner that included phrases that violated Article (72) of the Disciplinary and Ethics Regulations into the stadium stands, which prompted a firm intervention from the committee after a hearing with the concerned parties.
The context of the Jeddah derby and the importance of fan commitment
The Jeddah derby matches between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli are of paramount importance and highly competitive, not only locally but also regionally, due to the immense popularity of both teams. These encounters often witness tremendous fan enthusiasm, but the Saudi Arabian Football Federation is always keen to ensure that this support remains within the bounds of sportsmanship and regulations. Article (72) of the regulations serves as the legal instrument for controlling fan behavior and preventing any slogans or chants that may deviate from the norm or harm the competition, reflecting the sports authority's commitment to maintaining clean and safe Saudi stadiums.
Financial penalties and warnings for Al-Bairaq, Arar and Najran clubs
On another front, the committee continued its firm stance regarding financial obligations and the implementation of the decisions of the Dispute Resolution Chamber, issuing the following decisions:
- Al-Bairaq Club: A financial penalty of (10) thousand riyals, with a deadline of (30) days to implement the decision issued in favor of coach Zaki Abdullah Abu Abah.
- Arar Club: A financial penalty of (10) thousand riyals, and a deadline of (30) days to pay the dues of the player Osama bin Mohammed Al-Ruwaili.
- Najran Club: A fine of (20) thousand riyals, and a deadline of (30) days to implement the ruling of the Sports Arbitration Center in favor of the player Ibrahim bin Ahmed Aqeel.
The importance of decisions in promoting professionalism
These decisions carry clear and strongly worded messages from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, emphasizing the need to respect contracts and sports court rulings. The decisions include explicit warnings of escalating penalties if the agreements are not implemented within the specified deadlines, potentially including point deductions or even relegation.
This strictness in applying the regulations reflects the great development that Saudi football is experiencing, as financial and administrative commitment is a fundamental pillar in the project of privatizing clubs and developing the Roshan League to become one of the best leagues in the world, which requires strictness in dealing with any delay in paying the dues of players and coaches to ensure the stability of the sports system.
