Informed sources revealed to Okaz newspaper a serious crisis facing the management of Al-Wahda Saudi Club, headed by Hatem Khimi, as the club is now embroiled in seven pending cases before FIFA. These cases stem from outstanding financial dues owed to former coaches and foreign players, posing a significant obstacle to the current management's ambitions to rectify the team's course during the upcoming winter transfer window.
Debt obstacle and the threat to the bailout plan
Al-Wahda's management is seeking to implement an urgent rescue plan that includes recruiting 11 new players (both local and foreign) to bolster the first team squad. These moves aim to save the "Knights of Mecca" from the threat of relegation to the second division and to compete strongly for a return to the ranks of the Saudi Professional League. However, FIFA's strict regulations regarding financially troubled clubs could lead to a transfer ban if these seven cases are not definitively resolved.
The pivotal role of the Ministry of Sports
With no official sponsor to cover the club's operating costs and accumulated debts, sources indicated that the only solution lies in the intervention of the Ministry of Sports. Hatem Khimi's administration hopes to secure exceptional financial support that will enable it to meet its international obligations and avoid disciplinary sanctions. Government support is currently considered essential for the administration to achieve its strategic goals of developing the club in all sporting and administrative areas.
Historical context and importance of the club
Al-Wahda is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Saudi Arabia, and its current crisis is of particular significance given its historical importance and large fan base in Mecca. This crisis comes at a time when Saudi football is experiencing a qualitative leap in investment and governance, placing clubs not backed by major investment funds before existential challenges that require meticulous financial management to avoid falling into the cycle of debt and international legal disputes that have plagued many Arab and Asian clubs in recent years.
Technical preparations and facing justice
On the technical front, and away from the international court proceedings, Bosnian coach Rusmir Sveko has begun his challenging task, leading the team's training sessions in preparation for the upcoming match against Al-Adalah Club. The match is scheduled for next Saturday at 5:30 PM at Al-Hajer Club Stadium in Al-Ahsa, as part of the 12th round of the Yelo First Division League.
The coaching staff is working on preparing the players psychologically and physically to snatch the three points, in an attempt to escape from the danger zones in the standings, as the Al-Wahda team is currently in fifteenth place with only 9 points, a position that does not befit the history of the club and does not satisfy the ambitions of its fans.
