Heads of sports clubs in the Kingdom slammed the Ministry of Labor’s decision to include the clubs in the Nitaqat program to nationalize employment, describing the decision as a constraint that will drain out their already depleted budgets.

Al-Ettifaq Club chairman Abdulrahman Al-Dosari, said it was a mistake to classify the clubs across the Kingdom, over 170, as private institutions aiming to make profits and called on the officials to amend the decision. According to Al-Dosari these clubs are, in fact, service sectors.

The ministry’s decision has forced some clubs to look for Saudi employees instead of expats, so as to avoid the red zone rating. Most of the clubs are following the official decree, although they do not share the ministry’s view on the matter, explained Al-Salam Club chairman, Fadel Al-Nimir.

However, the Football Federation distanced itself from the ministry’s decision. The organization’s spokesperson, Adnan Al-Muaibed, said they have no relation with this crisis because the federation is only “a game regulator and represents the best interests of all clubs.” Al-Muaibed also added that his organization will discuss the matter and submit the appropriate recommendations to the authorities.

“It is a known fact that the stability of clubs will affect the level of football in the country,” he added.