JEDDAH, 12 December 2005 — The glittering World Cup will arrive in Riyadh on March 20. The cup, made of gold, will come from London on a special flight. A special team is also arriving with the cup. The cup will be in the city for three days and fans will be allowed to view it. The cup will tour 31 cities in 28 countries to offer soccer fans a glimpse of it.
Harthi to Sign With Nasr
JEDDAH, 12 December 2005 — Al-Nasr football club have made an offer to Saudi striker Saad Al-Harthi to play for the club. Harthi, on hearing this, was so excited and said that he would be happy to become a Nasr player.
Hamza to Retire
JEDDAH, 12 December 2005 — Al-Ittihad striker Hamza Idris is to end his career after the World Cup finals in Germany. Hamza said that he is satisfied with what he has achieved as an Ittihad player. “I want to be remembered by my fans, whose support helped me a lot in my comeback after the injury, as a star player,” he said. Hamza, a former Saudi international, had played with Ohod before his transfer to Ittihad seven years back on a record SR3 million deal.
Valencia to Play in Riyadh
RIYADH, 12 December 2005 — Spanish football giants Valencia, former Primera Liga champions, will play a friendly match in Riyadh on Wednesday. The match is being played in honor of former Saudi national and Hilal team captain Yousif Al-Thunayan, who retired three years ago. Hilal will start training soon.
