GROUP STAGE — Group HSat, Jun 27, 12:00 AM
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

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Match Coverage (372)

PIF slash spending as Salah payday is in jeopardy with FIVE teams ready to pounce for Liverpool star

Mohamed Salah could be forced to lower his salary expectations this summer if he wants a move to Saudi Arabia

6d agoRumor
World Cup 2026: Saudi Arabia sack coach Herve Renard

Frenchman Herve Renard, who won AFCON with Zambia and Ivory Coast, departs Saudi role despite World Cup qualification.

Herve Renard sacked as Saudi Arabia coach ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Renard returned for a second spell as Saudi coach at the end of 2024, having led it at the last World Cup in Qatar, including to a famous win over eventual champion Argentina in the group stage.

Saudi payday for Liverpool star Salah could be in doubt as PIF slash spending on sport

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah could reportedly have to reduce his salary expectations if he wants to pursue a move to Saudi Arabia.

6d agoTransfer
Wor Flags announce special display for Newcastle United match against Bournemouth

The departure of Mike Ashley meant the return of Wor Flags to matches, as they ended their boycott over four years ago now. The pre-match flag displays once again becoming... You can click here to read the full article.

Romano: Milan ‘trying to understand’ as Lewandowski is ‘not happy’ with Barca offer

By: Isak Möller Robert Lewandowski is an option for AC Milan in the summer, and as a report claims, the Rossoneri are currently evaluating if that option is feasible. It feels like we say it every season, but Milan’s biggest problem this campaign has been finding the back of the net. Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic have been […] The post Romano: Milan ‘trying to understand’ as Lewandowski is ‘not happy’ with Barca offer appeared first on SempreMilan.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s early exit to locker room in Al Nassr’s last game due to ‘stomach pains’, explains coach Jorge Jesus

After Al Nassr's last game, head coach Jorge Jesus explained that Cristiano Ronaldo's early exit to the locker room was due to star suffering from "stomach pains." Cristiano Ronaldo has been the cornerstone of Al Nassr’s recent surge, but his blistering goalscoring streak came to a halt Wednesday against Al Ettifaq. Following a uncharacteristically quiet performance from the club’s captain, head coach Jorge Jesus revealed that Ronaldo’s abrupt exit to the locker room was the result of “stomach pains” the forward had been battling since before kickoff. After returning from a hamstring injury in March, Ronaldo had been flawless, netting a brace against Al Najma and a clinical strike against Al Okhdood to keep Al Nassr’s title hopes alive. However, his impact against Al Ettifaq was far more subdued; despite registering seven shots, only two found the target, and he uncharacteristically squandered a golden opportunity in the 47th minute. Ronaldo was eventually subbed off in the 89th minute for Abdullah Al-Hamdan, but rather than joining his teammates on the bench, the Portuguese icon headed straight down the tunnel. While his departure initially sparked speculation regarding his frustration with the substitution, Jorge Jesus was quick to clear the air during his post-match press conference. When asked about his star player, the Portuguese manager admitted that Ronaldo was nearly omitted from the lineup entirely. “I considered leaving him out; he simply wasn’t in good shape,” Jesus said. “He was suffering from stomach pains and general fatigue. When I finally substituted him, he went straight to the dressing room and threw up.“ تبديلان إضافيان للنصر، وخروج كريستيانو رونالدو 🔄#النصر_الاتفاق | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/YfP5bPeLTg — رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) April 15, 2026 Jesus assured reporters that Ronaldo was recovering well after the match, explaining that his absence from the post-game celebrations following the 1-0 victory was simply because he was still indisposed. Although his scoring run has ended, the veteran striker is expected to be back in the selection for the club’s next fixture. One step closer to the SPL title Wednesday’s hard-fought victory moves Al Nassr within touching distance of the Saudi Pro League title. The club currently sits atop the table with 76 points through 29 matches, fueled by a staggering 15-game winning streak in league play. Al Hilal remains in second place with 68 points and a game in hand, but they now face a daunting eight-point mountain to climb. Riding the momentum of 17 consecutive wins across all competitions, Jorge Jesus reflected on the culture shift he has implemented in his debut season. “Al Nassr are not used to competing for titles, but now the players feel they are close to winning the league. I have won 24 titles, so I consider myself among the best coaches in the world. We have a great feeling and sense that we’re close to the title, but our focus now is to take it one match at a time,” he stated.

Saudi Arabia's PIF sells majority stake in Al Hilal

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has sold a 70% stake in Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company.

Cristiano Ronaldo to follow Karim Benzema with club ownership change as PIF’s new Al-Nassr plan revealed

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both central figures in this evolving landscape, a new chapter appears to be unfolding behind the scenes at the highest level of the game. The future of club ownership in Saudi soccer is shifting quickly, and the ripple effects are already being felt around some of the league’s biggest names. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both central figures in this evolving landscape, a new chapter appears to be unfolding behind the scenes at the highest level of the game. The turning point came when Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) made a decisive move regarding one of its flagship clubs. Al-Hilal has now seen its ownership structure transformed after a majority stake was sold to Kingdom Holding Company, a firm led by a prominent Saudi investor. The deal valued the club at approximately $373 million, signaling both confidence in the league’s growth and a willingness to shift toward private ownership. In a statement, the new ownership emphasized the broader vision behind the move. “Al-Hilal is a national symbol and a source of pride for the Saudi people,” the statement read. “This acquisition expresses our deep belief in the power of sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development.” The message was clear: soccer in Saudi Arabia is entering a new phase, one driven by strategic investment and long-term sustainability. Stepping Into a New Chapter of Glory 💙 pic.twitter.com/zya4Au7XRB — AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) April 16, 2026 Cristiano Ronaldo’s club could be next While the spotlight initially fell on Karim Benzema’s new environment, attention quickly turned toward Cristiano Ronaldo’s club. Behind the scenes, discussions have reportedly begun over a similar restructuring process. According to Sportksanet, it has emerged that there is a plan to sell up to 50% of Al-Nassr’s shares to external investors, including a mix of international companies and Saudi businessmen. This potential move would mark another major shift in how top clubs in the league are operated and financed. Such a transition could redefine the club’s future, especially given Ronaldo’s global influence and the commercial weight he brings. Why PIF is changing strategy The reasoning behind these decisions lies in a wider economic vision, as per journalist Abdulkarim Al-Zamil. PIF has played a central role in transforming the Saudi Pro League, injecting funds that helped attract global stars and elevate the competition’s profile. PIF and Kingdom Holding Company’s representatives arrange deal over Al Hilal. Now, the focus appears to be on maximizing returns and redistributing capital within the domestic economy, while encouraging private sector involvement. In an official explanation, the fund outlined its long-term intentions. “The sale aligns with PIF’s strategy to maximise returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy,” the statement noted. “PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results.” What does it mean for the league? These ownership changes could have far-reaching consequences for the league as a whole. Clubs transitioning to private ownership may gain greater flexibility in decision-making, particularly in transfers and commercial partnerships. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr At the same time, the presence of global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo ensures that any structural change will be closely watched. His influence extends beyond the pitch, making Al-Nassr one of the most visible clubs in world soccer. For Al-Hilal, now linked with Karim Benzema, the new ownership could open doors to different investment strategies and partnerships. That, in turn, may reshape competition within the league as clubs adapt to new financial realities.

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