Sports Minister Hails Success of FIFA Club World Cup 2023 in Saudi Arabia

Soccer Football - Club World Cup - Final - Manchester City v Fluminense - King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - December 22, 2023 General view of Manchester City fans in the stands after the match REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
Soccer Football - Club World Cup - Final - Manchester City v Fluminense - King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - December 22, 2023 General view of Manchester City fans in the stands after the match REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
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Sports Minister Hails Success of FIFA Club World Cup 2023 in Saudi Arabia

Soccer Football - Club World Cup - Final - Manchester City v Fluminense - King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - December 22, 2023 General view of Manchester City fans in the stands after the match REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
Soccer Football - Club World Cup - Final - Manchester City v Fluminense - King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - December 22, 2023 General view of Manchester City fans in the stands after the match REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

The Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, confirmed the success of the global event represented by the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, which fulfilled all its promises and reflected the capabilities of the Kingdom in hosting the largest and most important continental and international sporting events.

“We are happy with the success of this global event, as the sports sector received all the generous support and great interest from the Saudi leadership, which made our great homeland a preferred destination in various sports and all forums,” he said.

Prince Abdulaziz thanked FIFA for its great efforts and cooperation to make this edition of the tournament a success in the Kingdom, which was marked by the crowning of the English Manchester City team as a new champion for the Club World Cup for the first time in its history.

He also cited the great enthusiasm and fierce competition among all the participating teams, amid a remarkable public presence from different continents of the world, who participated in making this event a success.

The Minister of Sports congratulated the English Manchester City team for achieving the 2023 Club World Cup title, wishing all other teams good luck and success in the upcoming competitions.



Renard Stresses Importance of Saudi Arabia’s Match against Iraq in Gulf Cup

Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
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Renard Stresses Importance of Saudi Arabia’s Match against Iraq in Gulf Cup

Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)

Saudi national football team coach Hervé Renard underlined on Friday the importance of his team's upcoming "challenging and crucial" match against Iraq in the Gulf Cup currently underway in Kuwait.

Winning the match is essential to advancing to the semifinals, he told a press conference.

The teams will clash on Saturday afternoon.

"The Saudi fans consistently support the national team. Although we did not begin the tournament at our usual level, we will strive to bring the Saudi national team to its normal situation," he vowed.

"I concentrate solely on football, analyzing matches and players' performances daily to achieve our objectives," he added.

Meanwhile, Iraqi national team coach Jesus Casas said the match against Saudi Arabia is a chance to evaluate the team's blend of youth and experience.

He emphasized the importance of achieving proper harmony for the team to deliver the best result.

"The last match was disappointing, and all the teams in the tournament are competitive. We do not make excuses; instead, we will concentrate on putting forth a solid performance against the Saudi national team," Casas said.