Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — In a landmark second for Saudi sport, the Saudi Arabian Soccer Federation introduced the official completion of a nationwide venture documenting the Kingdom’s soccer historical past throughout 123 years, from its earliest beginnings in 1902 to its present world prominence.
The announcement got here throughout a press convention on Sunday, marking the tip of an bold initiative described as essentially the most complete in depth, accuracy, and scope.
Shifting past mere record-keeping, the venture establishes a nationwide and official reference for the historical past of Saudi soccer, together with gamers, golf equipment, competitions, and governing our bodies.
In line with the federation, the work spanned from March 2024 to April 2025 and adopted eight levels of assortment, overview, and validation.
It lined each period, from the reign of King Abdulaziz by means of to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, documenting tournaments, rules, achievements, and milestones that formed the game.
The venture compiled greater than 3,400 home membership competitions, 1,141 nationwide staff matches, and 251 worldwide tournaments. It additionally recorded greater than 3,300 worldwide refereeing participations, 300 official rules and statutes, 160 honor rolls, and 155 champions.
Every competitors was assessed by means of three levels: verifying the organizing authority, reviewing rules, and figuring out its aggressive classification.
Explicit emphasis was given to figuring out the official our bodies that oversaw soccer by means of completely different durations — from the Ministry of Inside and the Ministry of Training, to the Saudi Soccer Affiliation and at last at this time’s federation.
Competitions have been categorized in line with whether or not they have been run by official, native, exterior, or non-specialized organizers, guaranteeing honest and constant documentation.
The initiative obtained sturdy assist from companions together with the Ministry of Sport, Saudi Broadcasting Authority, King Abdulaziz Basis for Analysis and Archives, the Saudi Professional League, the federation’s Common Meeting, and FIFA.
Importantly, the venture additionally went past counting trophies. It labeled soccer’s influence on Saudi society and economic system, documented the event of the ladies’s recreation as a central ingredient, and highlighted the evolution of golf equipment and nationwide groups and their affect internationally.
With its completion, Saudi soccer now has a definitive historic report that enshrines its legacy whereas offering a basis for future generations.
