Today, Monday, February 9th, football fans across Asia, Saudi Arabia, and Europe will be glued to their screens, as the day's schedule is packed with crucial and exciting matches. Among the highlights are the highly anticipated appearances of Saudi Arabia's representatives, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, in the AFC Champions League, the most prestigious and important club competition in Asia, as well as the promotion battles in the Yellow Subs League and the conclusion of the major European leagues.

AFC Champions League Elite: Saudi-Emirati clashes

Today's matches in the AFC Champions League are of paramount importance as the tournament enters its decisive stages, requiring teams to accumulate points to secure a place in the knockout rounds. The day's fixtures feature exciting Gulf derbies, with Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli visiting the UAE's Al-Wahda, while Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai hosts Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal in a highly anticipated clash.

Saudi clubs are aiming to reaffirm their continental dominance and continue their strong performances in the new edition of the tournament, leveraging the wealth of international stars within their ranks. The following are the match times in Mecca time:

• 04:45 Al Wahda (UAE) vs Al Ahli
• 04:45 Nasaf vs. Police
• 07:00 Al-Ahli UAE vs Al-Hilal
• 07:00 Al-Duhail vs Sharjah

Yellow League: The promotion battle heats up

Away from the continental spotlight, local stadiums are witnessing equally exciting competition in the Yellow League for First Division clubs. This round is crucial for many teams aspiring to secure promotion to the Roshan Professional League, or those battling to avoid relegation. The matches between Abha and Al-Zulfi, and Al-Jabalain and Al-Bukairiyah, stand out as the most important fixtures of the day

• 03:40 Al-Batin vs Al-Ula
• 04:00 Al-Jabalain vs. Al-Bukairiyah
• 04:05 Abha vs Al-Zulfi
• 04:05 Al-Jandal vs. Al-Diriyah
• 06:05 Al-Jubail vs. Al-Oruba

European Leagues: Round Finale

On the European level, the rounds of competition in the Spanish League and the Italian League conclude today with important matches to improve positions in the standings table, as Roma of Italy and Villarreal of Spain seek to achieve victory and collect the three points:

Spanish League

• 11:00 Villarreal vs Espanyol

Italian League

• 08:30 Atalanta vs Cremonese
• 10:45 Roma vs Cagliari

In a strategic move reflecting Kuwait's desire to return strongly to the forefront of continental sports, the Kuwait Football Association announced that it has officially submitted its bid to host the 2035 AFC Asian Cup finals. This step confirms the country's ambition to host major sporting events, based on a rich football heritage and strong governmental and public support.

Official statements and confidence in the Kuwaiti file

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef, Chairman of the Kuwait Football Association, affirmed in a statement published on the association's official website that Kuwait possesses the necessary elements to succeed in this challenge. Al-Yousef said, "We have great confidence in Kuwait's ability to host this important continental event, given the distinguished relations we have with the Asian federations, in addition to the support we receive from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the West Asian Football Federation.".

Al-Yousef pointed out that Kuwait has proven its organizational capabilities on previous occasions, citing the great success and international praise that accompanied the country’s hosting of the French Super Cup match, which was well received by all followers and sports officials, thus enhancing the chances of the Kuwaiti bid.

Transformation strategy from 2031 to 2035

The focus on the 2035 edition comes as a realistic strategic option, given Kuwait's previous interest in hosting the 2031 AFC Asian Cup. However, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef explained in previous statements that the chances of winning that edition appear slim due to the AFC's geographical rotation policy. After the UAE hosted the 2019 edition, Qatar the 2023 edition, and Saudi Arabia won the bid to host the 2027 edition, it seems logical that the tournament would move towards East Asian countries in 2031, making 2035 the ideal opportunity for the tournament to return to the western part of the continent via Kuwait.

Historical background: Restoring the glory of Al-Azraq

Hosting major tournaments is nothing new for Kuwait, which boasts a golden history in Asia. Kuwait was the first Arab nation to win the AFC Asian Cup in 1980, a tournament it hosted on home soil and in front of its own fans, marking the golden age of Kuwaiti football. By bidding to host the 2035 edition, Kuwait aims to replicate that historic achievement, connecting the new generation with past glories and further developing its sports infrastructure to meet the latest international standards.

On-the-Age Work and Regional Support

The specialized committees within the Kuwaiti Football Association are currently working on a comprehensive bid file that meets the highest standards of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA. Sheikh Al-Yousef emphasized that continuous work and concerted efforts are underway by all relevant parties to ensure Kuwait's bid is the strongest and most compelling among the submitted countries. This initiative enjoys political and sporting support from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, forming a strong bloc backing Kuwait's bid within the AFC.

Former Al-Ittihad and Saudi football legend Mohammed Noor sparked widespread controversy in sporting circles with his fiery statements revealing intriguing details about French star Karim Benzema's transfer from Al-Ittihad to their arch-rivals Al-Hilal. Noor highlighted the manner in which the Ballon d'Or winner left the Jeddah-based club, describing it as "wrong" and unworthy of the strong bond the player had with the club and its fans.

In an interview on the "Our League is Different" program, Mohammed Noor explained that Al-Ittihad's management did not stand idly by regarding Benzema's future, but rather worked diligently to maintain his stability within the team. The club's legendary captain confirmed that Al-Ittihad presented the French striker with more than one official and lucrative offer to renew his contract and ensure his continued role as a cornerstone of the club's project. However, the player's complete silence came as a surprise; he showed no response to these offers, neither accepting nor rejecting them, which raised significant questions at the time.

Nour interpreted Benzema's snub as an inevitable consequence of a prior, secret agreement between the player and Al-Hilal's management, made before his contract with Al-Ittihad was officially terminated. Nour believes this behavior contradicts professional standards and the required transparency, as things should have been much clearer with the club that gave him such a historic welcome upon his arrival in the Kingdom as one of the most prominent signings in the Saudi Professional League.

This event holds exceptional significance, transcending the mere transfer of a player between two clubs. Karim Benzema is a global icon, and his move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal represents a seismic shift in the Saudi transfer market, given the long-standing and historic rivalry between the two clubs. Historically, direct transfers between these two Saudi football giants are characterized by extreme sensitivity and widespread public debate with lasting repercussions. This particular transfer alters the balance of power in the Saudi Professional League and bolsters Al-Hilal's attacking arsenal in both domestic and continental competitions.

It's worth noting that Karim Benzema officially joined Al-Hilal during the last winter transfer window on a free transfer after agreeing to all financial and contractual details. His contract with the club is for a season and a half. The Saudi sports community is now eagerly awaiting what the French star will offer his new team and how he will perform in the upcoming derby matches, especially in light of the behind-the-scenes details revealed by Mohammed Noor.