The President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Yasser Al-Misehal, is convinced the FIFA Club World Cup fixture between Al-Ittihad and Egypt’s Al Ahly is the ‘perfect window’ to demonstrate how footballing standards in the country have exploded.
More than 60,000 fans will attend Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City stadium tonight, with a FIFA Club World Cup semi-final place going to the winners – and the real prospect of facing Champions League winner Manchester City later in the competition.
A host of global superstars have migrated to the Saudi Pro League this season, raising standards and interest across the world, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar making the move.
Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad have invested heavily in their squad, bringing in Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, Jota from Celtic, Luiz Felipe from Real Betis, plus marquee signings Karim Benzema from Real Madrid and veteran Frenchman N’Golo Kante from Chelsea.
“Saudi football has grown enormously in the last few years, giving our game truly global appeal and interest,” said Al-Misehal, speaking ahead of Al-Ittihad’s fixture.
“We are asked why we are putting this level of commitment into the game. The answer to that will be in the stands tonight.
“This is the passion that drives everything we are doing. Having two massive Arab clubs compete in the FIFA Club World Cup here in Jeddah is the perfect window for the world into why we are doing everything we can to grow football.
“It is driven by our people and their passion for this sport.”
A galaxy of internationals on show for Al-Ittihad, particularly Benzema, will raise expectations in Saudi-hosting the FIFA Club World Cup and will continue to help transform the wider status of Saudi football on a global stage.
With Jeddah being home to an estimated 1.5million Egyptians living in Saudi Arabia, a loud, partisan crowd will pack out the Red Sea city’s “Jewel” stadium, making for what promises to be feverous atmosphere.
That diversity will shape the stands differently to Tuesday night’s opening tournament fixture, which saw Al-Ittihad ease to a comfortable 3-0 win against outsiders Auckland City of New Zealand in a stadium full of yellow-clad Al-Ittihad supporters.
The victor of tonight’s match tees-up a FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against South American champions Fluminense, with UEFA Champions League winners Manchester City, lurking as a potential final opponent if they make it through.
Al Misehal: “There is so much excitement ahead of this match tonight. It is rare at this level of club football that you have the eyes of the world on a match between two Arab sides, but that is what we are lucky to have today, with Al-Ittihad against Al Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup.
“The passion that both sets of supporters will bring to the match tonight will make for a truly memorable spectacle. As our own fans showed on matchday one, the love for football and the level of football fandom we have here can rival anywhere else in the world.
“Football is more than just a passing interest for fans here: it is an obsession, a lifetime commitment. For many people, it is everything. The atmosphere in the stadium tonight will pay testament to that.”
The staging of the FIFA Club World Cup is part of a long-term commitment by The Saudi Arabian Football Federation in inspiring the next generation of fans and players and getting more Saudis into sport, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Friday will see matches two and three of the FIFA Club World Cup take place, with Mexico’s Club Léon taking on Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan at 5.30pm local time (GMT +3), before Al-Ittihad versus Al Ahly at 9.30pm.
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