The Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s Professionalism and Player Conditions Committee has released a comprehensive circular detailing a resolution made during the board meeting held on November 27, 2023. This decision pertains to the establishment of a special registration period for professional Saudi clubs ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled from June 1 to June 10, 2025.
This initiative is rooted in Section 4 of Article 22 from the regulations governing the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. It also aligns with the mandates outlined in Section 3 of Article 6, which details the committee’s responsibilities and empowers it to issue an annual circular before the start of each sports season. Furthermore, the committee has the authority to make amendments or additions as deemed necessary, ensuring the regulations are cohesive and comprehensive. The issued circular is expected to include critical information such as the dates of the registration periods, the requirements associated with them, and the permissible number of foreign professional players and professional players who are locals but born abroad that clubs can register.
This newly approved circular incorporates changes to Sections 1 and 2 of Clause Eight from the annual circular previously issued by the committee (Document No. 761323 dated July 9, 2024, and Document No. 1241778 dated December 9, 2024). The following guidelines have been established for the financial compliance of clubs:
Financial Competence Certificate and Salary Statements
For clubs wishing to register new professional players, the following stipulations apply:
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Top-Tier and First Division Clubs: Only clubs in the Premier and First Division that have submitted a valid financial competence certificate — demonstrating the club’s financial health as of October 31, 2024, issued by the Financial Competence Committee of the Ministry of Sports — will be allowed to register new players during the winter registration period of the 2024-2025 sports season.
- Second and Third Division Clubs: Clubs competing in the Second and Third Divisions must have fulfilled specific requirements during the winter registration period for the 2024-2025 season. This involves providing certified copies of salary transfer statements for both Saudi and non-Saudi professional players, as well as for their professional directors. These statements must show that wages were directly deposited into players’ bank accounts from June 2024 to November 2024. Additionally, clubs must submit the required form and documentation to confirm any increments in monthly salaries, should such amendments be approved. Should any deductions from salaries be necessary, these must also follow the defined legal protocols.
The establishment of this exceptional registration period aims to enhance the competitiveness and preparedness of Saudi clubs ahead of a prestigious international tournament. The listed requirements underscore the importance of financial stability and transparency in managing professional sports teams.
In summary, the Professionalism and Player Conditions Committee’s proactive measures seek to ensure that clubs meet financial obligations while fostering an environment where they can strategically enhance their rosters ahead of the historic FIFA Club World Cup. This careful approach is designed not only to comply with international standards but also to elevate the level of football in Saudi Arabia, promoting a sustainable and thriving football culture in the country.
