Ziad Wahbi's resignation from Al-Nasr: The real reasons and the ministry's stance
In a new administrative development within the Saudi club Al-Nassr, Ziad Wahbi Suleiman, a board member of the non-profit Al-Nassr Foundation, has put an end to the speculation surrounding his future with the Riyadh-based club. Wahbi confirmed the reports circulating recently on social media and in sports media outlets regarding his resignation from the board, thus ending the speculation that had surrounded the matter in recent hours.
In further details, Wahbi explained in an exclusive statement to Okaz newspaper that he officially submitted his resignation letter yesterday to the board of directors of the organization. He indicated that the administrative procedures are still underway, as the resignation awaits final approval and submission to the Saudi Ministry of Sports for ratification. He confirmed that official approval had not yet been issued at the time of making the statement.
The truth about the dispute with Abdullah Al-Majed
Regarding the reasons that prompted him to make this surprising decision, Ziad Wahbi emphasized that his resignation stemmed from "personal circumstances" that prevented him from continuing to perform his duties effectively. In a related matter, Wahbi categorically denied rumors linking his resignation to recent televised statements made by Abdullah Al-Majed, chairman of the board of directors of Al-Nasr, a profitable company. He affirmed that his decision was based purely on personal convictions and circumstances and had no connection to any administrative or media disputes, thus refuting the notion of internal divisions within Al-Nasr.
Administrative context and transformation in Saudi sports
This resignation comes at a time when the Saudi sports sector is undergoing massive historical transformations as part of the investment and privatization project for sports clubs, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Al-Nassr, like other clubs under the Public Investment Fund (Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli), is experiencing a delicate transitional phase that requires concerted efforts between the non-profit organization (representing the voice of the general assembly and gold members) and the for-profit company that manages investments and player contracts.
Administrative positions at this stage are of paramount importance to ensuring the administrative and technical stability of the first football team, especially given the high expectations of Al-Nassr fans and the fierce competition in the Saudi Professional League and the AFC Champions League. Any resignation at a major club with a large fan base typically raises concerns among supporters, who always aspire to stability that positively impacts the team's performance on the pitch.
Return to the runway
In closing, Ziad Wahbi conveyed a message of reassurance and affection to Al-Nassr, expressing his sincere wishes for the club's success in its future endeavors to fulfill the aspirations of its vast fan base. He emphasized that despite leaving his official position, his love for the club will never fade, and he will return to his natural place in the stands as a devoted supporter, backing the team in all upcoming events and competitions.
