Prince Turki bin Talal denies supporting Damac to serve Al-Hilal and clarifies the facts
Statements by Prince Turki bin Talal regarding the sports scene in Asir
In recent and decisive statements, His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Asir Region, affirmed that the rumors circulating about the support provided to Damac FC being linked to serving Al-Hilal FC's interests in the Saudi Professional League title race are “baseless claims.” These statements come at a time when Saudi sports are undergoing major historical transformations, making the stability of clubs in vital regions crucial to ensuring honorable representation for the area.
Asir Development Strategy and Support for Local Clubs
The Governor of Asir addressed the state of sports in the region, expressing his regret over Abha Club's previous relegation to the Yellow League (First Division). He explained that when a new administration took over the reins at Abha Club, its performance was closely monitored. Based on its commitment to the "Asir Promotion" initiative—the comprehensive strategic plan conceived and adopted by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister—all resources were allocated to support the club, which ultimately resulted in Abha achieving first place and winning the league championship.
Focus on Damac FC to establish themselves in the Roshan League
Regarding Damac FC, Prince Turki bin Talal explained that all eyes are now on supporting the team to ensure its survival in the Saudi Professional League. He noted that despite previous differences of opinion with the club's management regarding the vision of "Asir's promotion," the team's precarious situation and its proximity to relegation with only two rounds remaining necessitated urgent intervention. His Highness affirmed, "We said no, and we will dedicate all our resources and stand with them wholeheartedly and without hesitation." He added that his recent visit to the team's training session included a frank discussion with the players to reaffirm both moral and financial support, assuring them that the Emirate stands with them "heart and soul.".
Asir and hosting the 2034 World Cup: A comprehensive national vision
These moves are of paramount importance given the comprehensive renaissance that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing in various fields, particularly the sports sector, which enjoys unprecedented support within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030. The Governor of Asir emphasized that the region is receiving significant attention within national development projects, especially after its selection by FIFA as one of the main host cities for the 2034 World Cup. His Highness asked rhetorically, “Is it conceivable that a region of this size and ambition does not have a club in the Roshan League?” He affirmed that the current sporting activity is part of an integrated project to create a sporting renaissance that keeps pace with this prominent global event, which will positively impact tourism and the local economy.
A firm denial of the rumors and an affirmation of sporting neutrality
In closing, Prince Turki bin Talal addressed the controversy surrounding the alleged support for Damac FC aimed at hindering Al-Hilal's rivals. He explained that some might mistakenly link the matter due to the sporting affiliations of certain family members, most notably his brother, His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, owner of the non-profit Al-Hilal Foundation. The Prince of Asir openly declared his own sporting preferences, stating, "I am a supporter of the national team," indicating his unwavering support for the Saudi national football team. He concluded by emphasizing that it is neither reasonable nor logical to dedicate all the resources and capabilities of the region to supporting the personal preferences of a particular club at the expense of the public interest, describing such a notion as "unreasonable.".
