The match between Al-Nassr and Al-Fateh, held as part of the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League, witnessed a heated refereeing controversy, prompting expert intervention to clarify the situation. Jordanian refereeing expert, Ahmed Abu Khadija, settled the debate surrounding Al-Fateh players' penalty claims in the match, which took place at Al-Fateh Stadium in Al-Ahsa and attracted significant public and media attention due to the high-profile players involved.

In an exclusive interview with Al-Midan Al-Riyadi, Abu Khadija explained the technical details of the incident involving Al-Fateh striker Mourad Batna and Al-Nassr defender Iñigo Martínez. The refereeing expert confirmed that the contact did not warrant a penalty kick, stating, "Mourad Batna did not deserve a penalty kick. What happened was a natural and legitimate challenge for the ball between Iñigo Martínez and Mourad, and the referee's decision to allow play to continue and not award a penalty was absolutely correct and in accordance with the laws of the game.".

This match comes amidst fierce competition in the Saudi League, where Al-Nassr seeks to maintain pressure in the title race, relying on its star-studded squad. The current scoreline indicates Al-Nassr's 1-0 lead, courtesy of a goal from Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who capitalized on a perfectly executed cross from Senegalese star Sadio Mane, expertly slotting the ball into the net and highlighting the excellent understanding between the Al-Nassr attacking duo.

On the other hand, Al-Fateh is still trying to turn the game around and salvage the situation before the final whistle. The team's manager, Portuguese José Gomes, is working to instruct his players to capitalize on half-chances and launch quick counter-attacks to level the score, hoping to secure a positive result that will improve the team's position in the Roshan League standings and prevent them from getting caught up in complicated calculations as the season approaches its crucial stages.

This encounter is of particular importance, not only for the three points, but also for its moral impact on both teams. Al-Nasr is looking for technical stability and to continue its winning streak to please its large fan base, while Al-Fateh aspires to prove its ability to compete with the big teams and embarrass them on its home ground and in front of its fans, which makes the remaining minutes of the match open to all possibilities.

In an exclusive and candid interview, Senegalese international goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, the guardian of Al-Ahli Saudi FC's net, opened up to sports fans, revealing intricate details about his career with the club and his vision for the team's future. These statements, published on the club's official X platform, underscore Mendy's leadership role both on and off the field. This interview comes at a time when Saudi football is experiencing unprecedented growth and attracting some of the world's top stars, making the comments of a player of Mendy's stature highly significant in both local and international sporting circles.

African goalkeeping legends: from N'Kono to El-Hadary

The former world's best goalkeeper made no secret of his deep admiration for the venerable African goalkeeping schools, specifically mentioning the Egyptian legend Essam El-Hadary, nicknamed "The High Dam." Mendy explained that El-Hadary represents an icon of perseverance and determination for him, especially since the Egyptian goalkeeper managed to defy age and maintain the highest level for extended periods, achieving continental feats that are difficult to replicate. Mendy also reminisced about Cameroonian Thomas N'Kono, considered the father of modern goalkeeping and an inspiration to Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, emphasizing that these giants paved the way for African goalkeepers to shine in major European leagues, a path Mendy himself followed to win the UEFA Champions League.

The continental title... cementing Saudi identity in Asia

Speaking about his achievements with Al-Ahli, Mendy placed winning the AFC Champions League at the forefront of his most memorable moments. He pointed out that the 2-0 victory over Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in the final was not just a win in a single match, but a declaration of Al-Ahli's return as a dominant force in Asia. This title holds immense strategic importance, enhancing the standing of Saudi clubs on the international stage and aligning with the tremendous development witnessed in the Kingdom's sports sector. He emphasized that this achievement is the fruit of collective effort and meticulous administrative planning aimed at placing Al-Ahli in its rightful place on the world stage.

The Hong Kong saga: The leader under pressure

The Senegalese goalkeeper recalled the Saudi Super Cup match against arch-rivals Al-Nassr, held in Hong Kong, describing it as the most difficult and dramatic moment. The match, which ended in a 2-2 draw and was decided by penalties in favor of Al-Ahli, served as a true test of the team's mental fortitude. The significance of this match lies in the fact that it showcased the positive image of Saudi football in East Asia, as it was played before a large crowd and with global media coverage, confirming the success of Saudi football's international marketing plans. Mendy and his teammates proved their ability to handle immense pressure against an opponent boasting some of the world's best players.

Al-Raed fans... the number one supporters

Mendy concluded his remarks with a heartfelt message of gratitude to Al Ahly's fans, describing them as the "key factor" in the team's success. He emphasized that the passion of the Al Ahly supporters and their constant chants provide the players with inexhaustible energy, asserting that the strong bond between the team and its fans is the true secret behind their impressive return to winning titles, and that these fans always deserve gold and championships.

Football fans are eagerly anticipating the partnership between veteran Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Confederation, with all indications pointing to an unprecedented level of stability in the relationship between the two parties. The Seleção's manager is on the verge of signing a historic contract extension, a strategic move aimed at building a comprehensive sporting project that transcends immediate ambitions and reaches far-reaching goals.

Project details up to Centennial 2030

According to reports from Sky Sports, negotiations have almost been finalized in favor of Ancelotti remaining as head coach of the Brazilian national team until June 30, 2030. This agreement means that the Italian coach will not only lead the Seleção in the 2026 World Cup scheduled to be held in North America, but his tenure will extend to include the historic centenary edition of the World Cup in 2030, reflecting the Brazilian Football Confederation's unwavering confidence in Ancelotti's abilities.

Astronomical figures: salary and bonuses

Financially, the new contract places Ancelotti among the highest-paid coaches in the history of national teams. Leaks suggest a fixed annual salary of €10 million. The offer doesn't stop there; it also includes substantial incentives to motivate the coach and players, most notably a €5 million bonus payable immediately if Brazil wins its sixth World Cup title in 2026.

Administrative flexibility and special family provisions

One of the most notable aspects of the agreement was the flexibility shown by the Brazilian Football Confederation to ensure the coach's peace of mind. The contract included a clause allowing Ancelotti to travel regularly to Canada for vacations with his Canadian wife and family, demonstrating the officials' desire to provide an ideal working environment that would allow the coach to focus fully on the pitch.

A historic shift in samba strategy

This move is of paramount importance given the historical context of Brazilian football. Brazil, the most successful nation in World Cup history, has always relied on local coaches to maintain its footballing identity. Hiring a European coach of Ancelotti's caliber and extending his contract for a long period represents a radical shift in the Brazilian Football Confederation's management philosophy, and an implicit acknowledgment of the need for a disciplined European approach combined with innate Brazilian skill to break the World Cup drought that has persisted since 2002.

Artistic stability and its impact on stars

Analysts believe this extension will have a positive impact on dressing room stability, especially given Ancelotti's close, fatherly relationship with Brazil's star players, such as Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, whom he oversaw at Real Madrid. Having a coach who knows how to manage star players and commands their respect is the missing piece the Seleção is looking for to regain its international prestige.

Commenting on the renewal news, Ancelotti maintained his usual calm, saying: "We are not in a hurry, but if the idea is to continue, then there is no problem. The truth is that the contract before the World Cup is less financially, and after it it may be much higher," in a statement that reflects his great confidence in achieving accomplishments that will raise his market value and immortalize his name in the history of Brazilian football.