Al Kholood: Saudi Pro League’s First Foreign-Owned Club

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Saudi Pro League Welcomes First Foreign-Owned Club as al Kholood Joins harburg Group

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The saudi Pro League is embarking on a new chapter as Al kholood football club has officially been acquired by the Harburg Group, marking the league’s first-ever foreign ownership. This significant progress underscores the accelerating privatization plan within Saudi Arabia’s top-tier soccer competition. The move signals a wave of international investment poised to transform the sport in the Kingdom.

The Harburg group’s acquisition of Al Kholood represents a pivotal moment for saudi football, aligning with the nation’s broader Vision 2030 objectives to diversify its economy and enhance its sports sector. This partnership is expected to bring considerable capital and global expertise to Al Kholood, perhaps elevating its performance and fan engagement. The deal was finalized recently,with the formal announcement signaling the start of a new era for the club and the league.

This strategic investment is a clear indicator of the growing appeal of Saudi sports properties to international investors. The Saudi Pro League aims to boost its global competitiveness and visibility through such partnerships. Experts suggest that this could pave the way for more foreign acquisitions of Saudi clubs in the near future, further diversifying ownership structures and injecting fresh perspectives into club management.

The privatization initiative is designed to foster sustainable growth and development across all clubs in the Saudi Pro League. By attracting foreign capital,the league seeks to enhance infrastructure,improve player development programs,and ultimately,compete at a higher international level. The Harburg Group’s involvement is anticipated to be instrumental in achieving these goals for Al Kholood.

This landmark deal follows extensive discussions and due diligence, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership. The Harburg Group’s commitment demonstrates a long-term vision for Al Kholood,focusing on building a robust and successful club. The anticipation is high for how this new ownership will influence the team’s strategies and on-field results in the upcoming seasons. The world of sports business is watching closely.

The Saudi Pro League has been making significant strides in recent years, attracting world-class talent and increasing its overall profile. The integration of foreign ownership is a logical progression in its ambition to become one of the world’s premier football leagues. This move by Al Kholood and the Harburg Group sets a precedent for future international collaborations in Saudi sports.

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What potential challenges might Al Kholood face in securing promotion back to the Saudi Pro League, considering their recent relegation?

The Historic Shift in Saudi Football Ownership

Al Kholood holds a unique position in Saudi Arabian football history. In 2023, the club became the first in the Saudi Pro League to be acquired by foreign investors, specifically a consortium led by Imtiyaz Global, a British investment firm. This landmark deal signals a critically important shift in the landscape of Saudi football, aligning with the nation’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan and the broader strategy to attract global investment. the acquisition price was reported to be around $20 million, a relatively modest sum compared to the valuations of other Pro League clubs following the Public Investment Fund (PIF) takeover of Newcastle United and subsequent investments in clubs like Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal.

Understanding Imtiyaz Global and Their Vision for Al Kholood

Imtiyaz Global, headed by Pakistani businessman Mohammed Al-saeed, isn’t a newcomer to sports investment. They have existing interests in European football, including a stake in Belgian side RWDM.Their strategy for Al Kholood centers around developing a lasting, competitive club with a strong focus on youth development and community engagement.

Here’s a breakdown of imtiyaz Global’s key objectives:

Infrastructure Development: Investing in upgrading Al kholood’s stadium and training facilities.

Youth academy Expansion: Establishing a world-class youth academy to nurture local talent.

Strategic player Acquisitions: Recruiting players who fit the club’s long-term vision, focusing on value and potential rather than solely on star power.

Commercial Growth: Expanding the club’s brand and revenue streams through sponsorships and merchandise.

The Impact of Foreign Ownership on the Saudi Pro League

Al Kholood’s acquisition opened the door for further foreign investment in the Saudi Pro League. The Saudi Arabian government has actively encouraged such investment as part of its efforts to transform the league into a top-tier global football competition. This influx of capital is expected to:

Increase League Competitiveness: Attract higher-quality players and coaches.

Improve League Infrastructure: Lead to better stadiums,training facilities,and overall league organization.

boost Commercial Revenue: Generate more revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

Enhance Global Visibility: Raise the profile of saudi football on the international stage.

The move also aligns with the broader “Vision 2030” initiative, aiming to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its reliance on oil. Sport, and football in particular, is seen as a key pillar of this diversification strategy.

Al Kholood’s Performance and Current Squad (2024/2025 Season)

Following the takeover, Al Kholood faced challenges in maintaining its Saudi Pro League status. they were relegated to the Saudi First Division League at the end of the 2023/2024 season. Currently, the club is focused on securing promotion back to the Pro League.

As of July 2025, key players include:

Cesare Casadei (Midfielder): On loan from Chelsea, a promising young talent.

Paulinho (Forward): A Brazilian striker known for his goal-scoring ability.

* Kim Jin-su (Defender): A South Korean international providing experience to the backline.

The squad represents a blend of international and Saudi players, reflecting Imtiyaz Global’s strategy of building a competitive team.

Navigating the Regulations: Foreign Ownership Rules in Saudi Football

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has specific regulations governing foreign ownership of football clubs. These regulations are designed to ensure financial stability, openness, and good governance. Key requirements include:

1. Financial Capacity: Investors must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to operate the club sustainably.
2. Due Diligence: A thorough due diligence process is required to assess the club’s financial and legal standing.
3. Governance Structure: A clear and transparent governance structure must be established.
4. Local Portrayal: A local representative is required to oversee the club’s operations.
5. SAFF Approval: All foreign ownership deals