Saudi Pro League planning ‘radical change’ to challenge top leagues in Europe as Michael Emenalo explains big decision
Saudi Pro League's chief football executive Michael Emenalo has claimed that the league will be making a radical change in the ownership structure soon. He revealed that clubs would be owned by private companies and individuals instead of the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Emenalo stated that the aim is to become a top league in the world. However, he understands that it will take a few years but believes that privatization is a step in the right direction for Saudi Pro League. He said:
"When you accept these types of projects with the associated ambition, the goal is to be the best you can possibly be. Right now our goal is to be one of the top leagues in the world. Being No 1 is something that would be left to people in the future, whether that happens in 10 years, in 20 years, in 25 years, that would be welcome. But I think the place to start is to say we want to be the top league in the world."
He added that the aim also shifts from just bringing the best players to developing local players. He said:
"The clubs are going to be asked to focus on building a quality product on the pitch. We want to bring in players to enhance the league but we also want to develop our own players."
Saudi Pro League attracted eyeballs after Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr in December 2022. The Portuguese star's transfer saw a lot more top players like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez and more joining in the summer of 2023.
Michael Emenalo on Lionel Messi not joining Saudi Pro League
Michael Emenalo was quizzed about Lionel Messi not joining Al Hilal despite their astronomical offer. The director of football stated that he was not sure why the move did not happen as he was not working with the league at that time.
He told The Telegraph:
"I don't know what the reasons were, because I wasn't here then, for Lionel Messi not to join, but I am sure… [when] you see all of the things that are happening in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, you will understand that if they absolutely want to do something it would be possible to do it."
He added:
"The only thing I can say is that I can assure you that we're looking at different ideas, creative ways, to make sure that the league continues to progress."
Lionel Messi was reportedly offered €500 million per season to move to the Saudi Pro League but opted to join Inter Miami in MLS.