In statements that sparked widespread controversy in Saudi sports circles, Fahad Sindi, chairman of Al-Ittihad Club, revealed the behind-the-scenes details of French star Karim Benzema's departure from the club and his move to arch-rivals Al-Hilal during the last winter transfer window. These statements put an end to the speculation surrounding the high-profile transfer that rocked the Saudi Professional League.

In a candid interview on the club's official account, Sindi confirmed that the management had not initially sought to part ways with the veteran striker, stating, "We weren't planning for Benzema to leave, but when we learned he was inevitably going to depart, some of our strategic plans for the team changed." He explained that handling the situation required considerable administrative flexibility to ensure the club's best interests were paramount.

The president of the federation added, explaining the economic aspect of the deal: “It was a suitable decision in the interest of Al-Ittihad Club, frankly,” stressing that the club achieved a definite financial benefit from the player’s departure and his not continuing on the roster, which allows the administration more space in the budget to strengthen the team’s ranks with other deals that are in line with the future technical vision, and to reduce the financial burdens resulting from huge salaries.

This event comes amidst major transformations in the Saudi Professional League, where direct transfers between top clubs (Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal) are rare occurrences with significant competitive and fan implications. The transfer of a player of Karim Benzema's stature, a Ballon d'Or winner, is evidence of the ongoing activity and the desire to reshape the technical landscape of teams competing for domestic and continental titles.

It is worth noting that Karim Benzema joined Al-Hilal on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Al-Ittihad, with all financial and contractual details finalized last winter. Analysts believe this move will intensify the rivalry in the Saudi "Clásico," as Benzema will face his former team wearing the "Leader" jersey, adding extra excitement to the upcoming matches and reflecting the advanced professionalism that the Saudi league has reached.

Italian Simone Inzaghi, the head coach of Al-Hilal's first football team, expressed his complete satisfaction and great praise for the level shown by the young player Murad Hawsawi, in his first appearance as a key player in the "Leader" squad, during the strong match that brought the team together with its counterpart Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai of the UAE.

These statements came after the end of the match that brought the two teams together as part of the seventh round of the AFC Champions League, which was hosted by Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Stadium, where the match ended in a draw, with the two teams sharing the points of the encounter in a crucial stage of the group stage of the most prestigious continental tournament.

Inzaghi's statements about Murad Hawsawi

Inzaghi spoke clearly during the press conference that followed the match, highlighting the confidence he had placed in the player, saying: "Murad Hawsawi's performance was excellent. This is his first match as a starter and he performed exceptionally well. Today's match was not easy at all, yet the player showed a strong character and delivered a very good performance.".

The Italian coach added, speaking about the course of the match: "We sought to win and secure the three points in the match, but we faced a good and organized team, led by a good coach for Shabab Al Ahli, which made the task very competitive.".

The importance of introducing new faces into the Asian arena

The inclusion of Murad Hawsawi in such highly competitive matches is part of Al-Hilal's coaching staff's strategy to rotate players and create depth in the starting lineup. The AFC Champions League is a true test of players' abilities, demanding high levels of mental focus and physical fitness, especially when playing away from home against experienced clubs like Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai.

Hawsawi’s success in his first test reflects the confidence of the technical staff, led by Inzaghi, in the young and substitute players, which is vital for Al-Hilal, which usually competes on all local and continental fronts, thus requiring the readiness of all members of the squad to face the pressure of successive matches.

The context of the competition and Al-Hilal's continental history

This match gains its importance from being in the later stages (round seven) of the tournament, as Al-Hilal always strives to reaffirm its dominance in Asia. Al-Hilal boasts a rich history in Asian competitions, being the most decorated club in the tournament's history, which always places added responsibility on any player who wears the blue jersey, whether a global star or a rising star like Murad Hawsawi.

A draw against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai in the UAE is considered a mathematically acceptable result given the strength of the opponent. However, the real gain that Al-Hilal came out of, according to the analysts’ view and the coach’s statements, is gaining a new element capable of taking responsibility in big matches, which enhances the team’s defensive and tactical options in the upcoming knockout stages.

In a scene reflecting the unity between sports and society, and embodying the Kingdom's goals of promoting a sporting culture among youth, the fifth day of the Asian Road Cycling Championship "Al-Qassim 2026" witnessed a remarkable and impressive turnout of the next generation. One hundred and twenty elementary school students were present at the heart of this major continental event, hosted by the Al-Qassim region, specifically in the picturesque Al-Ghadha Parks, amidst a highly competitive atmosphere and a large audience.

A field tour and encouragement for the Saudi national team

The tournament's organizing committee warmly welcomed the students from the Qassim region's education system, arranging a comprehensive program for them that began with a thorough field tour. During the tour, the students were shown the world-class technical and logistical facilities of the participating teams and witnessed firsthand how professional cyclists prepare for long-distance races. The visit wasn't limited to observation; the organizing committee also distributed various commemorative gifts before the students headed to the starting line to watch the exciting 124.8-kilometer race. Their enthusiastic cheers for the Saudi under-23 team created a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

Al-Qassim is a global sports destination

The hosting of the 2026 Asian Cycling Championships in the Qassim region is part of the significant sporting development underway in Saudi Arabia, which aims to transform various regions of the Kingdom into destinations capable of hosting major international events. The Qassim region, particularly the city of Unaizah and the Al-Ghadha Parks, boasts diverse terrain and a unique geography that makes it an ideal route for road cycling races, thus showcasing the region's tourism and sporting potential on an Asian scale.

Enhancing quality of life and building future heroes

This initiative to integrate students into major sporting events aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the "Quality of Life" program, which aims to increase the percentage of people participating in sports within the community. Engaging the educational community in such events is not merely for entertainment; it carries a profound educational message: to instill a love of sports in young minds and promote cycling as a healthy lifestyle and an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. The organizing committee hopes that these visits will inspire the next generation, and perhaps some of these students will become champions who will raise the Kingdom's flag at international events in the future.

The tournament's organizing committee concluded the day's events by expressing its sincere thanks to the Education Department in the Qassim region for their fruitful cooperation and facilitation of this visit, stressing the continuation of such initiatives that enhance community partnership and contribute to the success of the Asian Games held on Saudi soil.