JEDDAH, 7 September 2007 — Al-Hilal club has retired the No. 9 jersey of Sami Al-Jaber in honor of the legendary striker who recently announced his retirement from football. Al-Jaber made no mention of his future plans, saying he achieved what he wanted and now wants to relax. He has been appointed Saudi ambassador of goodwill in multiple events.
GCC Super Football League
JEDDAH, 7 September 2007 — According to credible sources, the GCC Football Federation is planning a new GCC Super League where clubs in the region will see action. To start at the end of the season the event will feature the champions of each country’s football league and cup championships. The new tournament would be like the annual competition between the Saudi and Egyptian league and cup champions at the end of each season. Meanwhile, UAE and Qatar football federations both confirmed participation provided other GCC countries also confirmed.
Chico Transfer to UAE Club
JEDDAH, 7 September 2007 — Brazilian footballer Anderson Chico of Al-Ittihad is now in the process of transferring to Al-Wehda club of UAE. The player is considered a potential asset at Wehda club especially after he helped Ittihad win the AFC Champions League in 2004 and 2005. At the World Championship for clubs in Japan in 2005 Ittihad took the fourth position. When the deal is completed and if Wehda manage to register him at the Asian Football Confederation Chico can play in the match against Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals at the AFC Champions League.
Private Company to Sponsor Ahli Club
JEDDAH, 7 September 2007 — Al-Ahli club had received offer from a company to sponsor various sports at the club in a multiyear deal. The offer is not official yet because the company is studying the option of implementing European standards and plans since it has branches and representatives abroad. The club is also waiting for the company’s final decision to study it and present the deal to the club honorary members for approval. Meanwhile, due to the current construction at the Prince Mohammed Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium at the club, the training for the boys and youth football teams was moved to Aramco stadium.
Al-Shalhoub Fit
JEDDAH, 7 September 2007 — Mohammed Al-Shalhoub of Hilal club was given a clean bill of health and pronounced fit to play for the Saudi national team in the friendly match against Ghana on Tuesday. Al-Shalhoub was delighted at the opportunity given him. “Being with the team again after my injury and treatment is an honor for me yet a big responsibility as people build hopes on us. This, however, will encourage me to give my best and perform well,” he told Arab News. Al-Shalhoub said he is in good shape now and looks forward to participating in the Gulf Clubs Championship 2007 where his team are to meet Al-Ittifaq on Oct. 27 and Nov. 26 in the home-and-away semifinal series.
