Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição, manager of Al-Ittihad, announced the final list of his foreign professional players who will participate in the highly anticipated match against Al-Fateh in the Saudi Professional League. This match comes at a crucial point in the season, as Al-Ittihad aims to solidify its position at the top of the standings and strongly compete for the league title.

Conceição has settled on a balanced lineup that blends experience and youth to ensure control of the game and secure the three points. The final squad includes the following players:

• Predrag Rajkovic (goalkeeper)
• Danilo Pereira (Defender/Midfielder)
• Fabinho (midfielder)
• N'Golo Kante (midfielder)
• Roger Fernandez (wing)
• Moussa Diaby (forward)
• Mario Mitai (Left Back)
• Mohamedou Doumbia (midfielder)

General context and importance of the match

This match holds special significance for Al-Ittihad, a giant of Saudi football with a rich history. Following the significant transformations in the Saudi Professional League and its attraction of international stars, every match has become a true test of a team's competitiveness. Coach Conceição relies heavily on his world-class midfield duo, N'Golo Kanté and Fabinho, to provide stability and control the tempo of the game, thanks to their extensive experience in European leagues and their victories in major titles such as the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League.

Expected impact of the foreign lineup

The selection of these players sends a clear message from the Portuguese coach about his intention to implement a tactical approach based on strength in midfield and speed in attack. The presence of players like Moussa Diaby and Roger Fernandez provides diverse attacking options, while newcomers such as Danilo Pereira and Mario Mitai ensure strategic depth in defense. If this constellation of stars can deliver a cohesive performance, it will not only secure a victory for Al-Ittihad but also bolster the team's chances of competing both domestically and in Asia, as the Roshan League now represents a global showcase for Saudi football.

Al-Ittihad fans hope that these big names will translate their superiority on the field, and lead the team to achieve an important victory that will allow them to continue their quest to regain the league shield in its most competitive and exciting edition ever.

Saudi football fans are eagerly anticipating the highly anticipated match in the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League, which pits Al-Hilal against Al-Qadisiyah. Adding to the significance of this encounter is the announcement by the referees committee that Brazilian international referee Rafael Claus will officiate the game. Claus is a prominent figure in the world of international refereeing, and his record includes several controversial incidents, most notably his encounter with Argentine star Lionel Messi.

General context: Attracting international refereeing expertise

The selection of Klaus comes as part of a clear strategy adopted by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Professional League Association, aimed at raising the level of competition and improving all aspects of the game. With the attraction of world-class players, it has become essential to have referees of equal competence and experience to officiate crucial matches, ensuring their fairness and integrity, and minimizing refereeing errors that could affect match results and spark controversy. This approach reflects the Saudi League's ambition to solidify its position as one of the major leagues on the global stage.

Who is Raphael Klaus? A career marked by rigor and experience

Born on September 6, 1979, Rafael Claus is not just a football referee; he also holds a degree in physical education, giving him a deep understanding of player fitness and movement. He began his refereeing career in Brazil and quickly rose through the ranks, earning his FIFA international badge in 2015. Claus is known for his strong personality and decisive style on the pitch. He doesn't hesitate to show cards to maintain control of the game and is also adept at using Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to make accurate decisions in difficult situations.

International experience and global influence

Klaus boasts an impressive track record of officiating major international tournaments, earning him the trust of continental and international federations. He officiated matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, most notably England vs. Iran and Canada vs. Morocco. He also had a prominent presence at the Copa América, culminating in his appointment as referee for the 2024 final between Argentina and Colombia, demonstrating the high level of confidence in his ability to handle immense pressure.

Between experience and controversy: The story of the clash with Messi

Despite his competence, Klaus's career has not been without controversy. His name is associated with famous incidents involving big stars, most notably Lionel Messi. In several matches between Argentina and Brazil, or in continental tournaments, Klaus's strict decisions angered Messi, who publicly criticized his performance on one occasion. These incidents, while controversial, highlight the character of a referee who is not afraid to make decisive calls against any player, regardless of their name, making him an ideal choice for competitive and sensitive matches.

Expected impact on the Al-Hilal vs. Al-Qadisiyah match

Having a referee of Rafael Claus's caliber officiate a Saudi League match sends a clear message to the players about the importance of sportsmanship and tactical discipline. His presence is expected to help calm the tense atmosphere that can accompany such important matches and ensure the rules are applied fairly to both teams. For fans and observers, this choice reinforces their confidence in the integrity of the refereeing and allows them to focus more on enjoying the technical aspects of the game, thus enhancing the overall image of the Saudi League both domestically and internationally.