The Debate is Settled: Roshan League Will Not Be Held Outside Saudi Arabia

Omar Maghrabl, the CEO of the Saudi Professional League, confirmed that all matches of the Roshan League will be held within the Kingdom, stressing that there are no plans to move the matches outside the country, in commitment to developing the championship locally.

Maghrabl explained that Saudi clubs have become capable of attracting elite global players, making the Saudi league one of the fastest-growing leagues in the world, with the association keen on raising the marketing value and enhancing the fan experience.

He noted that the new season will see 90% of the seats allocated for the hosting team, compared to 10% for the visiting team's fans, while working to activate marketing activities and accompanying events in collaboration with the clubs to increase attendance.

Maghrabl spoke about the recruitment program, confirming that it is a strategic investment managed by the football department in the association, and that all clubs have benefited from it to varying degrees depending on their financial capabilities, with the association committed to distributing support fairly.

Regarding the scheduling of the league, he explained that work is being done in collaboration with a specialized company overseeing the English league, but some unprepared stadiums are still affecting the match schedule, citing the example of Jeddah clubs that play most of their public matches in the first round.

He also pointed out that the Africa Cup of Nations poses a challenge due to its scheduling outside FIFA days, which requires the association to study future solutions, confirming that the Saudi league has seen a decrease in the average age of players from 29 to 26 years, making it the first in Asia and the fastest-growing globally.