Adel Ezzat: Saudi football needs a clear strategy in exchange for financial support
In remarks that sparked widespread reaction in sporting circles, Adel Ezzat , the former president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, emphasized that the current historical phase for Saudi football requires administrative and strategic approaches commensurate with the generous government support provided to the sports sector. These statements came at a time when the Kingdom is witnessing unprecedented sporting activity as part of the goals of Vision 2030.
A pivotal shift that requires transparency
During his appearance on the program "In the Goal," Ezzat emphasized that Saudi football is undergoing a pivotal transformation, having moved from mere sporting activity and local competition to a professional industry and open market that attracts global attention. He pointed out that this transformation necessitates complete clarity of vision and the development of long-term strategic plans that include precise and publicly disclosed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure objective and unbiased measurement of progress.
Comparison with the Japanese experience
Ezzat cited Japan's pioneering experience in Asia, explaining that the Japanese Football Association had previously presented him with a 50-year strategic plan (from 2000 to 2050) overseen by local and international experts and subject to periodic review every four years. The former president called for the adoption of a similar model, demanding a plan extending to at least 2040 to ensure the sustainability of achievements and not to be satisfied with short-term goals such as qualifying for the World Cup, which should be part of a broader framework, not the ultimate objective.
Financial support and accounting
In a financial comparison, Ezzat revealed the vast differences between past and present budgets, explaining that the federation's budget during his tenure was very limited, with government support not exceeding 80 million riyals. A large portion of this was allocated to clubs and salaries, forcing them to rely on sponsorships. He clarified that this amount is equivalent to the federation's salary budget alone today, emphasizing that the current substantial financial support necessitates a precise understanding of what is being built in return , along with the need to activate governance, accountability, and transparency mechanisms, and to compare results with the best international leagues.
Arbitration files and talent development
Ezzat also touched on technical matters, expressing his dissatisfaction with the current level of refereeing and the high cost of bringing in foreign referees. He called for reinforcing the philosophy of "the referee is the master of the field" and reducing the excessive reliance on video technology. He also stressed the need to build a clear technical identity for the Saudi national team and to re-evaluate projects like "naturalized players," emphasizing that the Kingdom is rich in national talent capable of representing the national teams without the need for naturalization, provided that attention is given to grassroots development in schools and advanced regional training centers are established.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of returning to an open election system to ensure a diversity of opinions and quality decisions, noting that institutional work based on planning is the only way to enhance the status of Saudi football regionally and internationally.
