First Sports Investment Forum Kicks Off in Riyadh

Officials are seen at the launch of the Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the launch of the Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
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First Sports Investment Forum Kicks Off in Riyadh

Officials are seen at the launch of the Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the launch of the Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)

The first edition of the Sports Investment Forum (SIF), sponsored by the Ministries of Sport and Investment, kicked off in Riyadh on Monday with over 140 speakers, more than 3,000 attendees, and 50 sessions and workshops for the three-day event.

Deputy Minister of Sport Badr Al-Qadi, representing Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, expressed appreciation for the Saudi leadership's support of the sports sector, which has contributed to the development of the sports system and its many accomplishments in recent years.

The audience watched a presentation on SIF, which reviewed its objectives and highlighted the most prominent national sports achievements.

Several initiatives related to sports investment were launched, accompanied by the signing of various agreements in real estate development, technology, and sports sector.

One panel session featured Al-Qadi, Deputy Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Mohammed, and Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak.

Al-Qadi said that achieving the objectives of the National Sports Strategy requires cross-sectoral integration, adding that the sports sector is a strategic partner in driving national development and advancing Saudi sports.

Princess Haifa stressed that the forum is the result of private sector initiatives and aligns closely with the objectives of Vision 2030. She underscored the role of sports in advancing the tourism sector, generating job opportunities and supporting economic growth.

The Kingdom currently attracts approximately 24 million tourists annually to attend sports events and activities, generating around SAR22 billion in spending, she revealed.

Al-Mubarak said the Kingdom has achieved significant milestones across numerous sectors since the launch of Vision 2030, including the sports sector, which demonstrates its promising investment potential.

 



Real Sociedad Appoint Francisco to Replace Alguacil as Manager from Next Season

Real Sociedad's head coach Imanol Alguacil gestures during the Spanish LaLiga match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Sociedad, in Vitoria, Spain, 13 April 2025. (EPA)
Real Sociedad's head coach Imanol Alguacil gestures during the Spanish LaLiga match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Sociedad, in Vitoria, Spain, 13 April 2025. (EPA)
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Real Sociedad Appoint Francisco to Replace Alguacil as Manager from Next Season

Real Sociedad's head coach Imanol Alguacil gestures during the Spanish LaLiga match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Sociedad, in Vitoria, Spain, 13 April 2025. (EPA)
Real Sociedad's head coach Imanol Alguacil gestures during the Spanish LaLiga match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Sociedad, in Vitoria, Spain, 13 April 2025. (EPA)

Real Sociedad have appointed their reserve team coach Sergio Francisco as manager from next season to replace Imanol Alguacil who is stepping down at the end of the current campaign, the LaLiga club said on Friday.

Alguacil, in charge since 2018, won the Copa del Rey in 2020 and took Real to European football for five successive seasons. He informed the club on Thursday that he will leave the role at the end of the season, when his contract expires.

The club have again decided to appoint from within, and Francisco, who like Alguacil, began his playing career at Real, has managed their C and B teams since 2017, having previously taken charge of Real Union in Spain's third tier.

Francisco, 45, has signed a deal until 2027, and will take charge of the reserves for the final time on Saturday before dedicating himself to planning for next season.

Real are 10th in the LaLiga standings on 42 points and still in with a chance of qualifying for Europe once again.