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SportsAl-Nassr faces severe debt crisis with total liabilities exceeding 800 million riyals
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According to Saudi media outlet Al-Riyadhiya, Saudi Pro League defending champions Al-Nassr are facing a severe financial crisis with total debt exceeding 800 million Saudi riyals (over $200 million), stemming from financial decisions made in the previous season. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns the club, has initiated emergency measures including restricting financial powers of the executive management, hiring independent financial and legal consultants to improve revenue and control expenses, and evaluating two substantive offers for partial acquisition of the club. The executive management is prohibited from signing any contracts with players or coaches unless funded by the club's own sponsorship and revenue, effectively imposing a transfer ban. The PIF aims to protect the club's assets, brand value, and ensure compliance with governance norms, while also adhering to FIFA oversight to maintain fair competition among PIF-owned clubs.
Source report
Hupu Football News | July 26 — According to Saudi media reports, Saudi League defending champions Al-Nassr are facing significant debt issues that may impact the club's transfer activities.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has initiated emergency measures to address the severe financial crisis confronting Al-Nassr, particularly as the club remains under strict financial supervision by the Saudi Professional League.
Key Measures
A source close to Al-Nassr's owner, the PIF, outlined three main areas of intervention:
- Restricting financial powers of the current executive management of the club's operating company
- Hiring independent financial, commercial, and legal consulting firms to boost commercial revenue and control expenses, thereby improving the club's financial sustainability, while providing advice and solutions with clear timelines to help the club overcome financial difficulties
- Evaluating offers to acquire the capital club
Transfer Restrictions
The source told Al-Riyadhiya that the executive management will be prohibited from signing any contracts with players or coaches unless sufficient funds are available from club sponsorship and revenue.
Acquisition Prospects
The source also revealed that the PIF is currently considering two substantial offers to acquire the club and prefers a partial acquisition approach.
Rationale Behind the Decisions
According to the source, these decisions aim to:
- Protect the club's assets, brand image, and market value
- Prevent further surges in debt
- Strengthen compliance with current governance norms
- Shield the club from damage caused by the severe financial crisis
Debt Figures
Al-Riyadhiya's sources indicate that Al-Nassr's total debt currently exceeds 800 million riyals (over $200 million), all stemming from financial decisions made in the previous season.
Contract Signing Ban
When asked whether the executive management would be banned from signing contracts for the new season, the source gave a clear answer:
"Yes, no contracts will be signed unless the executive management can fund them using the club's own revenue."
Under the governance mechanism for transactions related to PIF-owned sports companies, their ownership is subject to supervision by FIFA in addition to other sports regulatory bodies, ensuring fair competition among clubs owned by the same entity (such as the fund). To this end, the PIF is committed to providing equal financial sponsorship among clubs and promises not to interfere in specific sports decisions.
Source: arriyadiyah
Source
虎扑 - 足球Regional
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Al-Nassr Faces Severe Debt Crisis, May Face Transfer Ban