In a surprising development that has shaken Saudi football circles, reliable journalist Santi Ona revealed that French star Karim Benzema, captain of Al-Ittihad, has made the firm decision to miss his team's upcoming match against Al-Fateh in the Saudi Professional League. Ona explained that the reason for this shocking decision stems from the player's dissatisfaction with the contract renewal offer presented to him by the club's management, which prompted him to officially inform them of his decision not to participate.

Sources confirmed that this decision was Benzema's personal initiative, without any intervention from the management or coaching staff, placing the club in a difficult position ahead of a crucial match in the league title race. This move further fuels the speculation surrounding the player's future with Al-Ittihad, especially given the high expectations that accompanied his signing.

Background of the deal and its impact on the Saudi League

Karim Benzema's move to Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 was a historic transfer, not only for the Jeddah-based club but for the entire Saudi league. Benzema, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, arrived from Real Madrid after a legendary career. This move was part of a massive sporting project aimed at elevating the Saudi league's global profile and attracting millions of viewers worldwide. Benzema was considered the icon of this project, the player who would give the team and the league unparalleled technical and media attention.

The technical significance and expected impact of the absence

Domestically, Benzema's absence is a significant blow to Al-Ittihad's ambitions. He is not just a striker; he is the team's leader and the tactical linchpin upon which their attacking plans are built. He was heavily relied upon to decide difficult matches, and his absence at this crucial time leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, increasing the pressure on his teammates and the coaching staff. As for the fans, this decision is a genuine shock and raises serious concerns about the team's stability and the commitment of its star players.

Regional and international repercussions on the reputation of the sports project

Internationally, this crisis highlights the challenges Saudi clubs face in managing their relationships with global stars. Such disputes, if not resolved wisely, could damage the league's reputation as a destination for top talent in the future. The international media will be closely following this issue, as it represents a test of the clubs' ability to handle the demands and expectations of players of Benzema's caliber. How this crisis is managed will send an important message to other stars about the professional environment in the Saudi league. The French star's future with Al-Ittihad remains uncertain, pending developments in the coming days that could reshape the situation for both the club and the player.

All eyes of Saudi and Arab football fans are on a heavyweight clash as Al-Hilal, "The Leader," hosts Al-Qadisiyah, "The Knights of the East," in the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League. This match is more than just three points in the standings; it's a clash between the ambitions of a league leader seeking to solidify its dominance and a rising team that has been delivering exceptional performances and is eager to prove its worth among the elite.

Historical background and context of the competition

The Saudi Professional League has witnessed a qualitative leap in recent years, becoming a destination for the world's top football stars, which has raised the level of competition and attracted unprecedented media and public attention. In this context, Al-Hilal stands out as a traditional powerhouse, dominating both domestic and continental titles, and enters this season as the favorite to retain its crown. On the other hand, Al-Qadisiyah represents an inspiring success story. After its promotion to the Professional League, the team has consistently delivered high-level performances, establishing itself among the top teams, defying expectations, and proving that its ambitions extend beyond simply remaining in the league.

Al-Hilal aims to strengthen its lead despite absences

Al-Hilal enters the match at the top of the league table, buoyed by a winning streak and a strong attacking performance. However, the team faces a defensive challenge in the absence of their solid Senegalese defender, Kalidou Koulibaly, due to injury. This absence puts additional pressure on the team's back line and tests the depth of the squad and the coach's ability to find a suitable replacement to maintain defensive balance against Al-Qadisiyah's organized attack. The "Leaders" will rely on their midfield and attacking stars, such as Aleksandar Mitrovic and Malcom, to decide the match offensively and compensate for any potential defensive weaknesses.

Al-Qadisiyah... the dark horse with high morale

In stark contrast, Al-Qadisiyah enters the match with a full squad and sky-high morale. Under their coach's guidance, the team displays disciplined tactical execution, relying on a tight defensive organization and swift transitions from defense to attack through dangerous counter-attacks. The stability of the "Knights of the East" lineup and the absence of any significant absences give them a psychological and technical advantage, making them a formidable opponent, especially given their proven ability to trouble top teams this season. A positive result against the league leaders would represent a tremendous morale boost for the team in their quest for a spot in Asian competitions.

The battle of the goalscorers adds a special flavor to the encounter

Beyond the collective battle for three points, the match also features a fierce individual competition for the league's top scorer title. Al-Hilal's Serbian striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic, stands out as a strong contender for the Golden Boot in his debut season, locked in a thrilling race with legends like Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo. Meanwhile, Al-Qadisiyah boasts a potent attacking arsenal capable of making a difference, and their performance against Al-Hilal's defense will be closely watched. This individual duel adds another layer of excitement, as a single goal could decide the outcome of the match and alter the course of the Golden Boot race.

The importance and expected impact of the match

This match holds strategic importance for both teams. A win for Al-Hilal would widen the gap with their closest rivals and take a giant step towards securing the title early. A victory for Al-Qadisiyah, or even a draw, would be a clear declaration of their ability to compete for a top-four finish and would boost their chances of achieving a historic feat by participating in the AFC Champions League. Regardless of the outcome, the result will have a direct impact on the morale of both teams in the remaining crucial rounds of what has been one of the most competitive Saudi League seasons ever.

In a festive atmosphere reflecting the depth of the cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, crowned the owners who won the cups of the sixth day of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival 2026, at the conclusion of the “Jathaa” category competitions held on the grounds of the historic Janadriyah field in Riyadh.

Historical Background and Cultural Significance
: Camel racing is an integral part of Arab and Gulf heritage, having historically served as a means of transportation and a source of tribal pride. Over time, it has evolved into an organized sport enjoying widespread official and popular support. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival, whose third edition was launched under the generous patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – stands as the most prominent event on the map of this sport, not only in the Kingdom but also globally. The festival aims to preserve this authentic heritage, enhance its status as a national sport, and connect new generations with their ancestors' history, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to enrich and promote national culture globally.

With its regional and international impact,
the festival is no longer just a local event, but has become a regional and international platform that brings together elite camel owners from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, strengthening fraternal ties and the spirit of fair competition. With prizes exceeding 75 million riyals, the festival attracts significant investments and stimulates economic and tourism activity in Riyadh, the capital. It also highlights the Kingdom's ability to organize world-class events that blend tradition and modernity, a fact praised by international visitors such as Irish businessman Raoul Masterson, who was impressed by the event's prestige and professionalism.

The "Jathaa"
category competitions witnessed great excitement, with the camel "Al-Maida" from Al-Shahaniya Camels in Qatar winning the first race and the (Bakar - Open) Cup, while the camel "Al-Wasmi" from the Presidential Camels in the United Arab Emirates won the second race and the (Qa'dan - Open) Cup. In the general races, the camel "Dhababa" owned by Qatari Abdulhadi Khalil Al-Hajri won the (Bakar - General) Cup, while the camel "Al-Baher" owned by Emirati Saeed Jaber Al-Harbi won the (Qa'dan - General) Cup. Over two days, 46 races were held for this category, with a distance of 6 km per race, and total prizes amounting to 16.18 million riyals.

camel
beauty contests in the individual camel category (Mafarid - Bakar), which celebrates the beauty of camels. In the "Majahim" category, Saudi owner Rashid Al-Marri won first place with his camel "Anawi Al-Mudara'at." In the "Wadh" category, Saudi owner Saad Al-Jalban won first place with his camel "Alou Wadh Al-Aridah," in a competition that reflects the passion and interest of camel owners in the most beautiful breeds.

Digital transformation and its role in the sector's growth:
The digital transformation spearheaded by the Saudi Camel Racing Federation plays a pivotal role in the sport's development. The "Hajin" mobile application has streamlined registration procedures, ownership transfers, and results tracking, attracting a new segment of investors and businesspeople. Owner Salem bin Obaid Al-Marri emphasized that this technological advancement, coupled with the substantial prizes and their rapid disbursement, has alleviated the financial burden on owners and encouraged them to continue and expand in this field, transforming their passion into a professional and sustainable investment.