Al-Nassr legend Majed Abdullah expressed dissatisfaction with the decisions of the Saudi Football Federation under Yasser Al-Mishal, directly linking them to the national team’s decline. This statement came during a fiery interview on the program “In the Goal,” where the former international striker directed explicit criticism at the body responsible for Saudi football.
Abdullah said in his remarks: “I do not know the details of Yasser Al-Mishal’s work… Does Al-Mishal have the authority to make decisions on his own?.. I am not satisfied with the decisions and the results.”
The legend’s statements highlighted the root of the problem, as he saw that “there is no fairness in the competition in the Saudi League,” attributing this to “the unequal financial support between clubs, in addition to one entity taking over 4 teams.”
Abdullah confirmed that this situation creates an unequal system, noting that “there are 4 clubs with a large budget allocated for them, and the others are in a different position.”
In his analysis of the effects of these policies on the national team, the legend explained that while “foreigners have been a real addition to the league,” “the Saudi national team has been harmed because many local players did not get the opportunity.”
Majed Abdullah called, after three seasons of the momentum brought by Cristiano Ronaldo, to reduce the number of professionals in each club to 6 players, instead of the current 10, “in order to give 5 spots on the field to local players,” stressing that “a strong national team cannot be built” under the current system.
He attributed the Saudi national team’s failure to win titles to several factors, including “changing coaches,” which affected “the Green,” and “the lack of all requirements at the team level in various positions.” He also pointed to the development of many competitors, versus a problem in the awareness of local players, whose priorities have become “reversed” compared to the past.
Abdullah added that he sees the need for “former players on the federation’s board of directors,” confirming that there are “many cadres who possess the intellect.”
In conclusion, the legend predicted that his former team Al-Nassr would win the league title when they host Damac in the final match of the competition.
Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr is a prominent professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1955. The club has a rich history of success in domestic and Asian competitions, winning multiple Saudi League titles and the AFC Champions League. In recent years, Al-Nassr gained global attention by signing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023, further elevating its international profile.
Saudi Football Federation
The Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) is the governing body for football in Saudi Arabia, established in 1956. It joined FIFA the same year and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 1959, playing a key role in organizing the Saudi national team and domestic leagues. The federation has overseen the country’s rise in international football, including the national team’s three AFC Asian Cup titles and multiple World Cup qualifications.
Saudi League
The Saudi League, officially known as the Saudi Pro League, is the top professional football division in Saudi Arabia, founded in 1976. It has grown significantly in recent years, attracting global attention by signing high-profile international players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. This influx of talent is part of the country
Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr is a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1955. The club has a rich history, winning multiple Saudi Pro League titles and domestic cups, and is known for its passionate fan base. In recent years, Al-Nassr gained global attention by signing superstar players like Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023, elevating its international profile.
Saudi Football Federation
The Saudi Football Federation (SAFF), founded in 1956, is the governing body for football in Saudi Arabia. It oversees the Saudi national teams, the Saudi Professional League, and various domestic competitions, and has been instrumental in the country’s football development. SAFF joined FIFA in 1956 and has since helped Saudi Arabia achieve notable successes, including multiple AFC Asian Cup titles and World Cup qualifications.
Saudi League
The Saudi Pro League, officially known as the Roshn Saudi League, is the top professional football division in Saudi Arabia. Established in 1976, it has grown significantly in recent years by attracting international superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, transforming it into a major global football destination. This influx of talent is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to boost sports tourism and diversify its economy.
AFC Champions League
The AFC Champions League is Asia’s premier club football competition, organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and first held in 1967 as the Asian Club Championship. It was rebranded to its current name in 2002, expanding to include top clubs from across the continent. The tournament features a group stage followed by a knockout round, with winners earning a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the governing body for football in Asia, founded in 1954 with its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It oversees major tournaments such as the AFC Asian Cup and the AFC Champions League, promoting the sport’s development across the continent. The AFC has grown to include 47 member associations, playing a key role in organizing and regulating Asian football at both professional and grassroots levels.
Saudi Pro League
The Saudi Pro League is the top professional football league in Saudi Arabia, established in 1976. It has grown rapidly in global prominence since 2023, attracting major international stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar through significant investment. This transformation is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and boost its international sports profile.
