JEDDAH, 26 February — Al-Ittihad Club has strongly protested the arbitrary action taken by the Saudi Football Federation, denying the club the right to host the qualifying matches of the Red Sea Group for the Prince Faisal ibn Fahd international soccer tournament, staff writer adds
The Saudi federation move sparked ire among the Ittihad management and fans alike. “We had received an official letter from the Arab Federation which affirmed that Al-Ittihad would be hosting the Red Sea Group matches,” Jamal Abu Ammara, vice chairman of the club told Arab News.
The Saudi federation, however, decided that Al-Ahli, instead of Ittihad, would be participating in the Red Sea Group matches. Arab clubs from Egypt, Yemen and Sudan are expected to take part in the event. Al-Ittihad won the right to host the matches after a tough competition with Al-Zamalek of Egypt. A large number of Ittihad fans gathered at the club’s headquarters to protest the federation’s decision.
