Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Market Research Report

Background

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) is the governing body for football in Saudi Arabia, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the sport within the Kingdom. Established in 1956, SAFF administers domestic competitions, manages national teams, and represents Saudi Arabia in international football organizations. The federation is a member of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), reflecting its commitment to the global football community.

Key Strategic Focus

SAFF's strategic initiatives are aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to elevate the nation's football standards and global presence. Key objectives include:

Developing the Sport and Nurturing Talent: Investing in grassroots programs and youth development to cultivate future football stars.

Elevating Fan Experience and Infrastructure: Enhancing stadium facilities and fan engagement through digital platforms.

Enabling Club Growth and Financial Stability: Implementing financial management strategies to ensure the sustainability of football clubs.

Advancing Broadcasting, Media, and Commercial Endeavors: Partnering with global entities to improve media rights and commercial opportunities.

These strategies aim to position Saudi Arabia among the top-performing football nations globally.

Financials and Funding

SAFF's financial strategy focuses on securing partnerships and sponsorships to fund its initiatives. Notable developments include:

Partnership with The Saudi National Bank (SNB): In May 2024, SAFF renewed its partnership with SNB for three consecutive years, making SNB the official bank of Saudi football. This agreement represents the largest sponsorship in SAFF's history, aimed at enhancing the prominence of Saudi football.

Collaboration with CIES Football Observatory: In June 2023, SAFF partnered with CIES Football Observatory to launch an online research platform. This collaboration allows SAFF to generate reports on player statistics and performances, particularly at grassroots levels, supporting the development of Saudi footballers.

Pipeline Development

SAFF is actively involved in developing both men's and women's football pipelines:

Men's Football: The federation manages nine national teams across various age groups, competing in 23 regional and international competitions.

Women's Football: SAFF established the first women's national team and league, marking a significant investment in women's football.

Technological Platform and Innovation

SAFF has embraced technology to enhance football operations:

SAFF+ Platform: Launched in February 2024, SAFF+ is an AI-assisted digital platform that broadcasts local competition matches and houses a player database. This platform supports clubs, coaches, scouts, and national youth teams with talent analysis and player evaluation.

Partnership with CIES Football Observatory: The collaboration with CIES Football Observatory provides SAFF with data on player demographics and performance, aiding in strategic decision-making for player development.

Leadership Team

SAFF is led by a team of experienced professionals:

Yasser Al Misehal: President of SAFF, overseeing the federation's strategic direction and operations.

Khalid AlKhudair: CEO of SMC, SAFF's exclusive commercial partner, playing a pivotal role in securing sponsorships and partnerships.

Competitor Profile

SAFF operates in a competitive landscape with several key players:

Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club: One of the most successful clubs in Saudi Arabia, with a record 21 league titles.

Al-Nassr Women's Football Club: Established in 2022, it has quickly become a dominant force in the Saudi Women's Premier League, winning multiple titles.

Neom Sports Club: A newly promoted team to the Saudi Pro League, backed by the NEOM project, aiming to make a significant impact in the league.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

SAFF has formed several strategic alliances to enhance its operations:

IMG Partnership: In July 2024, SAFF and the Saudi Pro League partnered with IMG for a five-year production agreement, aiming to improve broadcast quality and global reach.

World Football Summit Collaboration: In November 2024, SAFF and World Football Summit announced a partnership to host WFS Asia 2024, focusing on transforming the football business landscape in the region.

Operational Insights

SAFF's strategic initiatives are designed to strengthen its position in the competitive football landscape:

Club Ownership and Investment: The Public Investment Fund's acquisition of stakes in major clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli has bolstered the financial stability and global appeal of Saudi football.

Hosting International Events: SAFF's bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup underscores its ambition to elevate Saudi Arabia's status in the global football community.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

SAFF is well-positioned to capitalize on several opportunities:

Women's Football Development: With the establishment of the first women's national team and league, SAFF can further invest in women's football to enhance its growth and competitiveness.

Technological Advancements: The SAFF+ platform and partnerships with data analytics organizations provide a foundation for data-driven decision-making and performance optimization.

International Partnerships: Collaborations with global entities like IMG and World Football Summit offer avenues for knowledge exchange and global exposure.