Sports
Details of the failed Kante and En-Nesyri deal at Al-Ittihad: The full story
Learn about the reasons behind the failure of the N'Golo Kante and Youssef En-Nesyri swap deal between Al-Ittihad and Fenerbahce, and the details of the exemption request submitted to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

The final hours of the winter transfer window in Saudi Arabia witnessed exciting football drama, as the reliable Turkish journalist Yagiz Oglu revealed the behind-the-scenes details of the failure of one of the most anticipated swap deals, which stipulated the transfer of French star N'Golo Kante to Turkish club Fenerbahce, in exchange for the Moroccan international striker Youssef En-Nesyri joining the ranks of Saudi club Al-Ittihad.
Details of the procedural crisis
According to reports, both clubs submitted the necessary documents for the transfers to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's transfer system on time, but final approval was not granted before the transfer window officially closed. This procedural delay has frozen the players' transfers, placing Al-Ittihad and Fenerbahçe in a difficult legal and technical situation, especially given both teams' urgent need to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season.
Attempts to salvage the situation
In an urgent move to salvage the deal, Al-Ittihad, Fenerbahçe, and N'Golo Kanté submitted a joint official request to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Professionalism Committee for a legal exception and a time extension. This request is based on the premise that the delay may be due to systemic pressures or technical procedures. However, as of this writing, no official response has been issued to determine the fate of the transfer, leaving fans in suspense.
Technical value and potential impact of the deal
This deal is of paramount importance given the players' international stature. N'Golo Kanté, a World Cup winner with France, is considered one of the world's most important midfield players of the last decade. Since joining Al-Ittihad, Kanté has consistently delivered outstanding performances characterized by his fighting spirit, exceptional ball-winning ability, and proactive playmaking, making him an indispensable part of the team's lineup. His potential departure would have fundamentally altered the structure of the team's midfield.
On the other hand, Youssef En-Nesyri, Morocco's all-time leading scorer in World Cups and former Sevilla star, represents the attacking solution Al-Ittihad is looking for to bolster their front line. En-Nesyri is distinguished by his exceptional aerial ability and high pressing on defenders, qualities that would add a new tactical dimension to the Tigers' attack in both domestic and continental competitions.
Differences in transfer window dates
What further complicates the situation is the discrepancy in transfer window closing dates. While the Saudi Professional League closed on February 2nd, the winter transfer window in Turkey remains open until February 6th. This time difference gives Fenerbahçe greater flexibility in acquiring players, but it doesn't resolve the issue of registering En-Nesyri with the Saudi Football Federation, leaving the decision solely in the hands of the Saudi regulatory authorities.
Sports
Al-Nasr officially registers David Eviato ahead of the Al-Ittihad match in the Roshan League
Learn about the details of Al-Nasr club registering player David Eviato in the local list hours before the Al-Ittihad classic in the 21st round of the Roshan League, and the details of Al-Nasr’s recent victory.

In a decisive administrative move reflecting the team's desire to strengthen its ranks and compete strongly for domestic and continental titles, Al-Nassr FC officials have successfully completed the registration of new player David Eviato in the team's local and continental rosters. This step comes at an ideal time, preceding the highly anticipated clash against Al-Ittihad FC in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League, to be held at Al-Nassr's home ground, "Al-Awwal Park.".
The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad match holds immense importance, transcending its status as a mere three-pointer. It represents the "classic" of Saudi football, attracting a massive following both locally and regionally. Matches between these two teams are always fiercely contested and thrilling, with each side striving to assert dominance and delight their fans. This makes having all the necessary players and tactical options at the disposal of the coaching staff crucial for securing victory in such high-stakes encounters.
Informed sources within the Riyadh-based club confirmed that Al-Nassr's management exerted intensive efforts in the past few hours to ensure the player's eligibility. They successfully registered David Eviato on the approved Nigerian roster, making him available to the coaching staff before the start of the crucial match in the Roshan League. Al-Nassr officials finalized the signing of the talented David Eviato during the last winter transfer window, following successful negotiations and an agreement on all financial and contractual terms of the deal, as part of the management's efforts to inject new blood into the team.
On the technical front, Al-Nassr enters the match with high morale after securing an important victory in their last game against Al-Kholoud with a clean sheet. That match witnessed a remarkable performance from the team's stars, with the winning goal coming from Senegalese star Sadio Mane, who converted a magical and brilliant pass from his teammate Joao Felix, expertly placing it into the net, signaling the readiness of the team's attacking force ahead of the anticipated clash against Al-Ittihad.
This administrative and technical movement at Al-Nasr Club reflects the great development that Saudi football and the Roshan League competition are witnessing, as clubs are working to attract the best elements and prepare them to the highest standards to ensure competition in the long league marathon, which promises a high-level tactical and technical confrontation in the upcoming Clasico.
Sports
Tickets for the Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Gharafa match: Prices and date in the Asian Champions League
Find out the details of ticket sales for the Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Gharafa match in the AFC Champions League. Prices start from 10 riyals, and find out the date of the crucial match and the teams' standings in the group.

Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad Club announced on Tuesday the release of tickets for their highly anticipated match against Qatar's Al-Gharafa, as part of the seventh round of the AFC Champions League. The club's management has set promotional ticket prices starting from just 10 riyals, a move aimed at encouraging Al-Ittihad fans to attend in large numbers and support the team in this important continental encounter.
Date of the Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Gharafa match
Al-Ittihad is scheduled to host Al-Gharafa on Tuesday evening, February 10th, with kickoff at 9:15 PM. This match comes at a crucial stage of the group stage, as both teams seek to improve their chances of qualifying for the knockout rounds of the continental championship under its new "Elite" format.
The two teams' positions in the standings
Al-Ittihad enters the match in sixth place in their group standings with 9 points, accumulated from their previous victories, while Al-Gharafa of Qatar sits in ninth place with 6 points. This narrow points difference underscores the importance of the match for both sides; a win for Al-Ittihad would solidify their position in the safe zone for qualification to the next round and distance them from any complicated scenarios, while Al-Gharafa aims to close the gap and climb into the qualifying positions.
The importance of the match and the continental context
This encounter takes on special significance given the high level of competition in this season's AFC Champions League, which features the best clubs in Asia. Matches between Saudi and Qatari clubs are always highly anticipated due to their high technical level and intense rivalry. For Al-Ittihad, nicknamed "The Dean," the Asian championship represents a significant historical legacy, having won the title twice consecutively in 2004 and 2005. This year, they aim to reclaim their continental glory and compete strongly for the title.
Public support and its impact
Al-Ittihad Club relies heavily on its strongest weapon: its vast fan base, known for its significant impact on home matches. The decision to offer tickets starting at 10 riyals is a clear message from the administration to ensure the stands are packed. Everyone understands that a large crowd puts positive pressure on the players and negative pressure on the opponents, thus boosting the team's chances of securing the three points and advancing to the final stages.
Sports
Karim Benzema's stance on the Al-Hilal vs. Al-Akhdoud match in the Roshan League
Karim Benzema is confirmed fit to play for Al-Hilal against Al-Akhdoud in matchday 21 of the Roshan League. Find out coach Inzaghi's decision and the match time after the draw with Al-Ahli.

Al-Hilal fans are eagerly awaiting the final decision regarding French star Karim Benzema's availability for the upcoming match against Al-Akhdoud, part of the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. This crucial match is scheduled for Thursday evening at Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium, where Al-Hilal will be looking to return to winning ways.
In welcome news for Al-Hilal fans, Karim Benzema has been definitively confirmed fit to participate in the upcoming match against Al-Akhdoud. Recent tests and training sessions have demonstrated that the player is in peak physical and technical condition, making him a valuable asset for the team's coaching staff at this crucial stage of the season. Fans are counting heavily on his international experience to secure victories in such matches.
For his part, coach Simone Inzaghi is carefully considering his tactical options. He will decide within the next few hours whether to include Benzema in the starting lineup or keep him as a valuable substitute, based on his assessment of the match situation and the player's ability to contribute effectively throughout the ninety minutes, especially given the high tempo of the games.
This match takes on added importance for Al-Hilal, especially after their disappointing draw in the last match against their arch-rivals Al-Ahli in the twentieth round, which was held at Al-Hilal's home ground, the Kingdom Arena. The team seeks to overcome the setback of the derby and appease their fans by returning with three points from Najran, to ensure they remain strongly in contention for the league title.
This match comes amidst fierce competition in the Roshan Professional League this season, which has garnered global attention thanks to attracting some of the biggest names in football. The big clubs understand that away matches against teams like Al-Akhdoud, who have the advantage of playing at home, are often crucial in the title race, placing added pressure on the players and coaches to secure a victory and avoid any surprises that could derail the team's progress.
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