Legal expert: Precedents strengthen Al-Ahli’s case before FIFA

Sports law academic and consultant Ahmed Al-Sheikhi has stated that Al-Ahli Club has the right—if reports about the activation of a release clause in their coach’s contract are accurate—to pursue legal action against the coach and English club Newcastle United before FIFA, adding that the chances of success are “very high.”

Al-Sheikhi explained on his X account that his view is based on similar legal precedents, noting that comparable cases have resulted in Saudi clubs receiving compensation and legal settlements after coaches made sudden moves to European teams.

He added that one such case involved a Saudi club in the Roshn League, where legal proceedings and official notifications led to a settlement granting the club direct compensation and concessions.

Al-Sheikhi also expressed appreciation for Saudi executives working in clubs, noting that they shoulder much of the media pressure while being unable to disclose many details due to confidentiality obligations.

He shared his view on the performance of sports administrations over the past three years, saying he attributes about 90% of Saudi clubs’ successes to national talent, while he believes most failures are due to certain foreign officials. He added that what appears in the media “is only a small part of the picture.”

Al-Sheikhi concluded by emphasizing that his comments on Al-Ahli’s potential legal action depend on the accuracy of media reports regarding the activation of the coach’s release clause.