The delay in privatizing Al-Akhdoud Saudi Club threatens its survival in the Roshan League
Major challenges face Al-Akhdoud Saudi Club in the Roshan League
Al-Akhdoud FC is experiencing a critical and decisive period in its history, facing a confluence of technical and administrative challenges. The biggest challenge currently is the fierce struggle the first football team is waging to avoid relegation from the Saudi Professional League. The team sits in 17th place (second to last) with only 16 points, placing immense psychological and fan pressure before the crucial remaining matches of the current season. This precarious situation demands a concerted effort from all administrative and technical staff to ensure their survival in the top flight.
General context: The importance of staying in the Roshan Professional League
This crisis comes at a time when the Saudi Professional League (the Roshan League) is experiencing an unprecedented historical boom on both regional and international levels. The league has become the focus of global attention after attracting some of the world's best football players, thus increasing its market value and competitiveness. Consequently, remaining in this league is no longer merely a local sporting achievement, but a guarantee of substantial financial returns, international television broadcasting rights, and major commercial sponsorships. Al-Akhdoud's relegation at this historical juncture would represent a significant setback for the representation of the Najran region in this global sporting arena.
Privatization file: Delay in decision and its administrative impact
On the administrative and investment front, the Saudi Ministry of Sport previously announced the sale of Al-Akhdoud Club and the transfer of ownership of its assets, as part of the second phase of the sports club privatization program. This ambitious national project aims to enhance financial sustainability, improve governance efficiency, and develop the sports sector's infrastructure in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Official reports revealed that four investors (three from within Saudi Arabia and one foreign investor) submitted applications to acquire the club for the 2025/2026 sports season.
Despite these positive steps, the delay in the official announcement of the acquiring entity has cast a shadow over the club's stability. Sources close to Al-Akhdoud's management confirmed that the identity of the company or entity that will actually acquire the club remains unclear. This delay in the transfer of ownership creates financial and administrative uncertainty, limiting the current management's ability to secure long-term contracts or develop stable strategies, which indirectly impacts the players' performance on the field.
Seeking the expertise of Fathi al-Jabal to salvage the situation
In a desperate attempt to salvage the situation and get back on track, the management of Saudi club Al-Akhdoud quickly signed veteran Tunisian coach Fathi Al-Jabal. Al-Jabal boasts an impressive resume and deep knowledge of Saudi football, having famously led Al-Fateh to a remarkable Saudi Professional League title in the 2012-2013 season, in addition to winning the Saudi Super Cup. The management and fans are placing great faith in Al-Jabal's tactical acumen and his ability to manage the players' psychological pressures, hoping he can lift the team from the relegation zone and ensure its continued presence among Saudi Arabia's elite.
The expected impact of successful privatization in the future
The relevant authorities at the Ministry of Sports and the National Center for Privatization are expected to begin a thorough review of the submitted bids in the coming period, in preparation for selecting the final bids that will advance to the last stage of the acquisition process. Successfully completing the privatization of Al-Akhdoud Club will not only save the club financially, but will also transform it into a sustainable and competitive sports institution capable of developing youth categories and improving the sports infrastructure in the Najran region. This will contribute to supplying Saudi national teams with young talents capable of competing regionally and internationally.
