Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli clarify board status after sports ministry decisions

Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli football clubs have clarified their positions regarding the measures announced by the Ministry of Sports on Wednesday, which involve the transfer of non-profit club shares to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the resulting changes to the boards of these non-profit entities.

Al-Hilal Club Company stated that the announced measures are part of the second phase of the club ownership transfer project, which aims to invest in and privatize sports clubs. As a result, the board of the Al-Hilal Non-Profit Foundation has been dissolved, and 25% of the club's shares will be transferred to the PIF.

The company confirmed that the term of the current board of directors, chaired by Nawaf bin Saad, has been extended for 90 days starting from July 17, 2026. The board will continue overseeing the company’s strategic and supervisory functions, including contracts and commitments, as usual. Any further developments will be announced in due course.

Similarly, Al-Ahli clarified in a statement on its official X account that the Ministry of Sports’ measures pertain only to the non-profit foundation and its board, and do not affect the composition or operations of the club company’s board of directors.

The club affirmed that the board will continue its duties and responsibilities according to approved governance frameworks, with its term also extended for 90 days from July 17, 2026. This extension ensures the continuity of the board’s work and the club’s plans and programs during this period.

Al-Ahli reiterated its commitment to pursuing its approved objectives and plans, maintaining organizational stability, and supporting the club’s progress and ambitions in the coming period.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Sports announced the start of transferring the non-profit foundations’ shares—representing 25% of the shares in the companies of Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr—to the Public Investment Fund, following completion of the necessary legal procedures.

The ministry explained that this step also includes dissolving the boards of the non-profit foundations affiliated with the four clubs.

This marks the second phase in the process of transferring club ownership, as part of efforts to enhance investment appeal, strengthen corporate governance, and support the long-term sustainability and growth of sports clubs.

The move aligns with the objectives of the sports club investment and privatization project.