Saudi Arabia, Netherlands Explore Cooperation in Football

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia, Netherlands Explore Cooperation in Football

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Yasser bin Hassan Al-Misehal has met with Dutch Ambassador to the Kingdom Hans Peter van der Woude at the federation's headquarters in Riyadh.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the two officials discussed aspects of cooperation in football.

They also reviewed the latest developments in the collaboration between the Saudi and Dutch federations in areas such as youth development, women's football, and technological solutions related to modern football.



James Rodríguez Joins Rayo Vallecano in Return to the Spanish League 

Football - International Friendly - South Korea v Colombia - Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, Ulsan, South Korea - March 24, 2023 Colombia's James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring their first goal. (Reuters)
Football - International Friendly - South Korea v Colombia - Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, Ulsan, South Korea - March 24, 2023 Colombia's James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring their first goal. (Reuters)
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James Rodríguez Joins Rayo Vallecano in Return to the Spanish League 

Football - International Friendly - South Korea v Colombia - Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, Ulsan, South Korea - March 24, 2023 Colombia's James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring their first goal. (Reuters)
Football - International Friendly - South Korea v Colombia - Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, Ulsan, South Korea - March 24, 2023 Colombia's James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring their first goal. (Reuters)

James Rodríguez is back in the Spanish league.

Madrid club Rayo Vallecano said Monday it signed the Colombia playmaker in a deal that brings him back to Spain four years after he left Real Madrid to join Everton in the Premier League.

The 33-year-old Rodríguez had his contract with Brazilian club Sao Paulo rescinded after he led Colombia to a runner-up finish in the Copa America, where he had six assists and was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

Rayo is celebrating its centennial season and opened the league with a 2-1 win at Real Sociedad and a 0-0 draw at Getafe.

“I feel great joy to join a historic club like Rayo,” Rodríguez said. “I really want to do things well. I feel that responsibility wherever I go. I like to win. Especially in such an important year for the club.”