9 months ago
Saudi Players Sidelined by Foreign Stars in SPL
A former Saudi Sports Minister, Prince Abdullah, said that having too many foreign players in the Saudi Pro League is not good for local players.
He thinks only one foreign player, Cristiano Ronaldo, is worth his high salary.
Prince Abdullah wants to reduce the number of foreign players per team and invest more in young Saudi players.
He is worried that if things don't change, Saudi players will not be as good in the future, especially before the 2034 World Cup that Saudi Arabia will host.
He also suggested having big matches on Thursdays so that top European referees can officiate.
Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad criticizes the influx of foreign players in the Saudi Pro League (SPL).
He believes only Cristiano Ronaldo is worth his multi-million-dollar salary among foreign players.
Saudi players are being sidelined, becoming 'extras' with eight foreign players per team.
Prince Abdullah proposes reducing foreign players to seven per team and investing more in youth development.
He warns that the current situation threatens the national team's future and competitiveness for the 2034 World Cup.
- Who
- Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad, former Saudi Sports Minister
- What
- Concerns about the impact of foreign players on Saudi players in the Saudi Pro League (SPL)
- Where
- Saudi Arabia
- When
- During an interview with Fi Al-Marama TV program on Al-Arabiya
- Why
- To address the sidelining of local talent and ensure competitiveness for the 2034 World Cup
Key facts
- Key Figure
- Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad
- Current Foreign Players per Team
- 8
- Proposed Foreign Players per Team
- 7
- Notable Foreign Player
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Ronaldo's Estimated Annual Salary
- Upcoming Major Event
- 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia
Quotes
Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad
Former Saudi Sports Minister
“Ronaldo is the only foreign player worth what he earns because of the global exposure he brings to the league and the country.”
CNBC TV 18
“Right now, building a strong league is coming at the expense of the national team. We need a clear plan to prepare for 2034.”
CNBC TV 18
