Sports club chiefs have praised the initiative by His Majesty the King’s representative for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa to involve Bahrain’s top football clubs in the Saudi Professional League from next season.
The move is part of a comprehensive plan by Shaikh Nasser to develop football in Bahrain and to improve the quality of players spearheading the country in future competitions, especially the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.
Riffa Club chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa said the idea will contribute to the development of Bahrain’s football clubs on the administrative and technical levels and take them to true professional standards.
East Riffa Club chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said the initiative is one of the unique gestures of Shaikh Nasser to boost football in Bahrain. He noted that the idea would promote the already strong ties between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in all areas, especially sports.
Al Ahli Club chief Khalid Kanoo said Muharraq Club’s participation in the Saudi Professional League is a significant step in the right direction that would have a positive influence on the game.
Al Najma Club chairman Isa Al Qattan said the move reflects Shaikh Nasser’s keenness to develop the game, adding that it will give Bahraini players more experience.
Manama Club chairman Zuhair Kazerooni congratulated Muharraq Club on being chosen to represent Bahrain in the Saudi Professional League next season, and said that the decision would bring noticeable benefits to football in Bahrain.
Al Shabab Club chairman Mirza Asad said the move will help develop football infrastructure in the kingdom.