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Saudi Games 2024 Torch Relay Kicks Off

The torch will travel across all regions of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The torch will travel across all regions of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Games 2024 Torch Relay Kicks Off

The torch will travel across all regions of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The torch will travel across all regions of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi Games 2024 torch was lit on Thursday in Diriyah, the historic capital of the first Saudi state.

The relay marks the beginning of the third edition of the national sporting event, which will take place from October 3 to 17 in Riyadh.

The torch relay, a symbol of unity and hope, will travel across all regions of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the country's cultural, historical, and tourist landmarks. The journey will culminate on September 23, coinciding with Saudi National Day.

The governor of Diriyah, Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah, presided over the launch ceremony. He emphasized the government's commitment to promoting sports and nurturing young talent. Former football captain Ahmed Eid and Taekwondo athlete Dunya Abutaleb participated in the event.

Established in 2022, the Saudi Games aims to foster a more active and healthy society. With a total prize pool of SAR200 million, this year's edition will feature competitions in 53 sports.

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Saudi Clubs’ Contract Requests Approach $1 Bn

Undersecretary of the Saudi Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs Abdulaziz Al-Massaad (PHOTO CREDIT/Abdulaziz Al-Noman)
Undersecretary of the Saudi Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs Abdulaziz Al-Massaad (PHOTO CREDIT/Abdulaziz Al-Noman)
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Saudi Clubs’ Contract Requests Approach $1 Bn

Undersecretary of the Saudi Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs Abdulaziz Al-Massaad (PHOTO CREDIT/Abdulaziz Al-Noman)
Undersecretary of the Saudi Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs Abdulaziz Al-Massaad (PHOTO CREDIT/Abdulaziz Al-Noman)

Abdulaziz Al-Massaad, undersecretary of the Saudi Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, announced that the Financial Sustainability Committee received contract requests totaling SAR3.7 billion (about $1 billion).

The committee approved SAR1.6 billion worth of requests after processing 410 approvals, rejecting 121, and canceling 60 out of 591 requests.

At a press conference in Riyadh, Al-Massaad highlighted that since the committee’s creation last year, it has rejected contracts worthSAR 1.5 billion between May 18, 2023 and August 18, 2024.

He also mentioned the committee’s efforts to handle legal cases against Saudi clubs, noting that 134 cases worth SAR229 million have been addressed, leaving 48 cases worthSAR 93 million unresolved.

Al-Massaad pointed out a drop in contract termination costs from SAR115.5 million in 2022 to SAR45.3 million in 2023, and then to SAR13 million this summer, showing the committee’s success in improving financial management.

He refuted claims that recent resignations of the presidents of Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr clubs were an attempt to pressure the committee for more financial support. He explained that the ministry deals with these situations according to established rules.

Al-Massaad said most clubs have received both approvals and rejections from the Financial Sustainability Committee for their contracts.

He noted that clubs had their budgets set at the start of the summer and could have planned their contracts accordingly. The committee has helped 13 clubs prepare two-year budget forecasts.

Al-Massaad mentioned that the committee is working to resolve legal cases using club revenues. Processing contract requests usually takes one to two business days, though some may take longer.

He added that club budgets come from various sources, not just recruitment. If there are delays in communication with club presidents, he assured that the ministry follows up and has a dedicated number for inquiries.