Roger Hampel
Credit: SPL Media
On 19th September, the Saudi Pro League (SPL) held its third General Assembly meeting, led by Chairman of the Board Eng. Abdulaziz Al Afaleq, with representatives from 16 member clubs present. The meeting served as a platform to review the league’s achievements and set future goals for the SPL, reinforcing its ambition to become one of the top football leagues in the world. Representatives from Al Orobah and Al Riyadh were absent from the assembly.
Acknowledgment of Leadership Support Saudi Pro League General Assembly
Chairman Al Afaleq began the meeting by expressing his deep gratitude to the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in the development and success of the Saudi Pro League. He extended particular thanks to His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport, for his continued commitment to advancing Saudi sports. This backing has played a significant role in transforming the SPL into a competitive and thriving league on both a regional and global scale.
Key Achievements Since the Last General Assembly
During the assembly, the SPL board presented an update report outlining its key achievements since the previous meeting. The report emphasized the SPL's strides in improving governance systems and increasing commercial revenues. Key highlights include:
Organizational Restructuring: The SPL has undertaken significant updates to its internal organizational structure, including the establishment of new departments and the creation of world-class internal regulations. This includes new financial regulations, a board of directors' charter, and the formation of committees for nominations, compensation, and audit.
Competition Regulations: The SPL has updated its competition regulations to ensure the highest standards, further professionalizing the league and aligning it with international benchmarks.
AFC Domestic Competition Ranking: One of the standout accomplishments for the SPL is its recognition as the top-ranked league in the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) domestic competition ranking in 2024, underscoring the growing prestige and competitiveness of Saudi football.
Growth in Commercial and International Profile
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the growth of the SPL’s commercial and international profile. The league has made substantial progress in attracting global attention and increasing revenue streams:
Partnership with Webook: The SPL has entered a strategic partnership with ticketing platform Webook, which has enhanced the matchday experience for fans by simplifying ticket purchasing and increasing accessibility.
Global TV Viewership: The SPL’s global reach continues to expand, with TV viewership exceeding 200 million viewers. An average of three matches per week are broadcast across 160 countries, significantly raising the league’s profile on the international stage.
International Talent: The SPL attracted 10 of the world’s top 100 players during the summer transfer window, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for football talent. Additionally, 14 SPL players competed in Euro 2024, further showcasing the league’s international relevance.
Financial Developments and Future Outlook
The General Assembly also reviewed and approved the SPL’s financial statements, demonstrating sound fiscal management and a clear path for future growth. In an important step toward ensuring financial transparency, Dr. Mohammed Al Amri and Co (BDO) was appointed as the SPL’s independent legal accountant for a four-year term.
Chairman Al Afaleq concluded the assembly by emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between the SPL and its member clubs. He stressed that working together would be critical to implementing the league's strategic goals, which aim to achieve technical, commercial, and organizational excellence. The SPL's long-term objective is to position itself as one of the top football leagues in the world, leveraging the Kingdom’s robust sports infrastructure and international appeal.
Source: SPL Media
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