The match between Al-Ahli and Neom in the 18th round of the Saudi Professional League witnessed a controversial refereeing decision regarding Al-Ahli players' appeals for a penalty kick. However, Jordanian refereeing expert Ahmed Abu Khadija settled the matter in an exclusive statement to Al-Midan Al-Riyadi, confirming the referee's decision not to award the penalty.

Details of the controversial case and expert analysis

The controversial incident occurred inside Neom's penalty area, sparking strong protests from Al-Ahli players and coaching staff, led by German coach Matthias Jäissle, who demanded a penalty kick that could have changed the course of the match. However, after reviewing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the referee allowed play to continue, much to the astonishment of the Al-Ahli players.

In his detailed technical analysis of the incident, refereeing expert Ahmed Abu Khadija explained: “The referee’s decision not to award a penalty to Al-Ahli was correct. After careful review, it became clear that the foul was committed by Al-Ahli player Rogerio Ibanez, not the other way around.” He added: “VAR gave the referee the advantage in making the most appropriate decision in this situation, which confirms its importance in achieving fairness and reducing impactful errors.”.

General context: Fierce competition in the Roshan League

This match comes amidst an exceptional season for the Saudi Professional League, which has garnered global attention after attracting international stars. Al-Ahli, making a strong return to the top flight this season, is determined to fiercely compete for the league title, making every point and every refereeing decision crucial. Victories in matches like the one against Neom are essential to maintain pressure on the leading teams and fulfill the high expectations of their passionate fans, who eagerly await the team's return to the podium.

The importance of refereeing integrity in light of the global development of the league

Al-Ahli is one of the pillars of Saudi football, boasting a rich history and numerous achievements. After returning from the First Division, the team bolstered its ranks with prominent international signings, aiming to reclaim its rightful place at the top of Saudi football. Consequently, any setback or controversial refereeing decision is met with significant media and fan attention. With the growing global interest in the Saudi League, the accuracy of refereeing decisions is increasingly crucial for maintaining the integrity of the competition and the league's international reputation. The referee's decision in the Al-Ahli vs. Neom match, supported by expert opinion and VAR technology, highlights the challenges referees face under intense pressure and at the pace of the game.

Ultimately, despite Al Ahli players' objections, the refereeing expert's opinion confirms that fair officiating was achieved in this instance. Coach Yasele's team must now focus on upcoming matches to continue their challenging journey in the Roshan League title race, in a season promising plenty of excitement and fierce competition right up to the final rounds.

Al-Qadisiyah FC, the Saudi club that recently returned to the Roshan Professional League, announced a new step within its ambitious strategy to develop its young talents, by agreeing to loan its Spanish defender Carlos Jimenez to the Spanish club Almeria for the 2024-2025 season.

This deal marks the latest in a series of carefully planned loan deals for the 19-year-old, who is considered a key investment for the club. After joining Al-Qadisiyah in the summer of 2023 from Levante's reserve team, the player began honing his skills in European leagues, enjoying successful loan spells with Villarreal B and then with Eldense in the Spanish second division last season.

Strategic background and general context

This move reflects Al-Qadisiyah's new vision under Aramco ownership, which aims to build a team capable of competing for domestic and continental titles. The club's strategy extends beyond simply attracting big-name international stars; it also includes investing in promising young talent and providing the best possible environment for their development. Keeping a young player like Jiménez in a highly competitive environment like La Liga is an integral part of this long-term plan, ensuring he gains the necessary experience before eventually joining the first team or generating a significant return on investment.

The importance of the deal and its expected impact

On an individual level, the move to Almería represents a significant step forward in Carlos Jiménez's . Almería, recently relegated from La Liga, has a clear project for a swift return to the top flight, meaning the player will be competing in a highly competitive environment under constant pressure, which will accelerate his development. Furthermore, playing in the Spanish second division (La Liga Hypermotion) is known for its physical and tactical intensity, providing him with invaluable experience.

For Al-Qadisiyah, the benefit is twofold. On the one hand, the club secures the development of one of its promising assets at one of the world's top football academies. On the other hand, this loan increases the player's market value, opening up multiple options for the future, whether by returning as a ready-made player to make a significant contribution to the team, or by selling him to a European club and generating revenue to bolster the club's budget. This deal underscores the growing influence of Saudi clubs in the global transfer market, not only as buyers but also as key players in talent development and growth.

Al-Ettifaq is witnessing a remarkable transformation this season in the Saudi Professional League, not only in terms of positive results and improved technical performance, but also in the fighting spirit instilled in the team by national coach Saad Al-Shehri. After years of stagnation and inconsistency, the "Knights of Ad-Dahna" have emerged with a new look, delivering a performance that combines tactical discipline and passion, proving that they are a vibrant team capable of competing with and defeating the top clubs in the league, despite their current financial resources not matching those available during the era of former coach Steven Gerrard.

Historical background and challenges of the previous stage

Al-Ettifaq, one of Saudi Arabia's oldest clubs, underwent a transitional period marked by massive investments and high expectations following the privatization project. The culmination of this phase was the signing of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and international stars like Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum. Despite the media hype, on-field results were inconsistent, and the team suffered from a lack of a clear tactical identity. With Gerrard's departure, Saad Al-Shehri was appointed. Initially facing some skepticism from a segment of the fanbase, he quickly proved himself the right man for the job, drawing on his extensive experience coaching Saudi national teams and his deep understanding of the local player mentality.

Al-Shahri's artistic and psychological imprint

Saad Al-Shehri's impact wasn't limited to the technical aspects; he transformed the team mentally and physically. Al-Shehri successfully created a cohesive playing system and boosted the players' motivation and fighting spirit on the field – a crucial factor for a team with such talented players. He also revitalized some stars whose brilliance had faded, most notably Dutch star Georginio Wijnaldum , who regained much of his renowned form and began delivering impactful performances against top teams, a far cry from his first season. Domestically, Khalid Al-Ghannam an inspiring success story. Al-Shehri reshaped his talent, making him the top Saudi scorer in the Roshan League with seven goals, demonstrating the ability of a national coach to develop local talent when given full confidence.

Importance and future impact

The success of Saad Al-Shehri's experience with Al-Ettifaq carries significance that extends far beyond the club's walls. It represents a victory for Saudi coaches in a league now teeming with top international names. This success reinforces confidence in national talent and demonstrates that tactical harmony and team spirit can sometimes outweigh mere financial investment. Today, Al-Ettifaq is on the right track, and what is needed now is for all the club's supporters to rally around their team and create a positive atmosphere in the stands, restoring their vibrancy and enthusiasm, to support the team's journey towards achieving its ambitions and competing for top positions.