Saudi Arabia has expressed its interest in joining Europe's top football club tournament, the Champions League. The kingdom, known for its recent heavy spending to attract world-class players and revolutionize the sport, is looking to bring about format changes and improvements in the league.
Carlo Nohra, the chief operating officer of the Saudi Pro League (SPL), stated in an interview that they are striving to be different and will welcome any modifications or enhancements that can be introduced into the league. However, it is important to note that the SPL remains fully committed to participating in the AFC Champions League, which is currently Asia's premier club competition. Any discussions regarding SPL teams joining the Champions League would likely involve the league's organizer, UEFA, and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
While UEFA has a few non-European member countries, such as Kazakhstan, whose clubs can participate in the Champions League, it remains to be seen how Saudi Arabia's potential inclusion would be received. When asked about the possibility of a Saudi club joining the tournament by 2025, UEFA's Chief of Football, Zvonimir Boban, dismissed it as a "fabrication" in a recent interview with Croatian newspaper Jutarnji List.
In recent months, Saudi teams have made significant investments by spending approximately $650 million on recruiting top players, including the likes of Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, Neymar from Brazil, and Jordan Henderson from Liverpool. Despite failing to lure Argentina's Lionel Messi, who ultimately joined Inter Miami in the United States, there have been reports speculating on Saudi club Al-Ittihad's interest in acquiring Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah.
Carlo Nohra emphasized the Saudi Pro League's commitment to bringing elite players to Saudi Arabia, stating that they are willing to pay the going rates to attract top talent. While the SPL may still be considered a minnow in terms of revenue compared to other leading football leagues, Saudi Arabia's ambitious plans to diversify its economy beyond oil are evident in its significant investments in various sectors, including sports, new cities, and electric cars.
Over the past year, the SPL has pushed to attract more sponsors and secure broadcast deals with international media companies. As a result, SPL games are now aired in approximately 140 countries, and broadcast revenues have witnessed a remarkable 650% increase since Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to the league from Manchester United late last year. Although these revenues may not fully finance all their activities, they represent a significant step forward for the league.
Carlo Nohra emphasized that the SPL's growth is a long-term process, and there is no specific timeline for when they aim to break-even. However, the league is focused on driving the enterprise value of both the league and its clubs, with the ultimate objective of becoming an investible asset.
In summary, Saudi Arabia's interest in joining the Champions League highlights its ambitious plans to transform the country into a global football powerhouse. The kingdom's significant investments in players and efforts to attract international sponsors and broadcasters demonstrate its determination to position the Saudi Pro League as a major player in the world of football.