Saudi Arabia is going through a period where sport is being seen as an investment tool and you only have to look at what is happening with sports like golf, boxing or football as examples.
Firstly, in men’s football, where many of the top players are being attracted by salaries and conditions that are second-to-none, and women’s sport is following suit.
In the women’s game, the standards are high for players who want to play in the top league. The women’s league started in 2021. Now, years later, the first Women’s Cup has been played.
On the 28th of March 2024, Saudi Arabia witnessed, for the first time, a women’s cup final.
The inaugural Saudi Women’s Cup was held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh and Al-Ahli ladies were crowned the champions after defeating Al-Shabab 3-2 in a hard-fought final played in front of over 2,000 fans.
Lamia Bahian, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, expressed her gratitude and said: “We are extremely grateful for the enthusiastic participation and support that was shown during the SAFF Women’s Cup. The final showcased the exceptional talent and perseverance of the players. It also highlighted the remarkable growth of women’s football in the Kingdom.”
“We commend all the participating clubs for their remarkable achievements and commitment to the sport. Their efforts serve as an inspiration for the continued development of women’s football. We look forward to witnessing their continued success and progress,” added Lamia Bahian.
Considering women were allowed to enter stadiums for the first time in January 2018, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has made massive progress in a short period of time.
The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is scheduled to be the tenth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held from June to July 2027 and there is no doubt that Saudi Arabia will be bidding to host the prestigious football spectacle.
No Country has been announced yet as the host of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
In another historical first for Saudi women’s football, Hibba Al-Qwaidi took charge of the match as field referee on Thursday night after she was internationally accredited by the game’s governing body FIFA.
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