JEDDAH, 21 December 2005 — After their good performance in the FIFA World Club Championship in Japan, Al-Ittihad arrived here yesterday. The Saudi Football Federation (SFF) gave a nice reception for the team. A lot of fans were gathered at the airport to welcome the team. Ittihad’s 4th-place ranking reflects the improvement of Saudi football in recent years.
SFF Suspend Referee
RIYADH, 21 December 2005 — The Saudi Football Federation (SFF) announced the suspension of referee Mamdoh Merdas. Merdas made terrible mistakes in last week‘s match between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab. The SFF doesn’t usually announce the suspension of referees. However, the Saudi sports press urged the federation to begin releasing the names of suspended refs in order to encourage them to improve their performance.
Al-Raid and Al-Ta’won Face to Face
JEDDAH, 21 December 2005 — Saudi fans in the central province are waiting for one of the country’s famous football derbies between Al-Raid and Al-Ta’won next Thursday. This match will be part of the second division league. Each team needs the three points to support their chance in qualifying for the first division.
Training Camp for Handball Team
DAMMAM, 21 December 2005 — The handball national team will train in a closed camp in Quatif for the next two weeks as the team prepares for the Asia Handball Championship to be held in China in January. The championship winners will have the chance to play in the Handball World Cup in Germany.
Al-Hilal Beat Al-Ittihad in Volleyball
RIYADH, 21 December 2005 — Hilal beat Ittihad 3-0 in the Saudi Volleyball League in an easy match that lasted less than an hour. Hilal won 25-16, 25-8 and 25-15. Hilal consider this match as a part of their preparations for the Arabian Gulf Championship to be held in Kuwait in March.
Squash World Champ in Kingdom
DAMMAM, 21 December 2005 — Squash fans in the Kingdom are waiting for the final match of the international squash championship. The world’s top ranking player, France’s Lenko, is playing in the match, which will grab the fans’ attention. The winner will take home $120,000.
