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The professional league’s response to all matters related to the Al Ittihad club’s dues and arrears, or the press releases and television interventions regarding the player Karim Benzema, has not been as swift as the regulatory and media measures to respond to the content presented in the media and social media platforms, to reveal false information and to refute the slander that affects the reputation of the association and those responsible for sports projects. Rather, as always, it was very late, as the saying goes, “a year too late,” allowing rumors and leaks to spread far and wide from all directions.
The only time the association acted swiftly was when it issued an explanatory statement to a foreign television channel regarding issues related to Al Nasr player Cristiano Ronaldo. The second time was made possible by the appearance of the association’s official spokesperson on the government channel Saudi Sports Channel. Unfortunately, this appearance came very late, I believe, after an escalation of sharp criticism about the media’s tendency to allow cooperation with foreign media instead of ignoring local sports media.
– Exploring the reason for this neglect, I consider it to be a professional shortcoming on the part of the heads of the association, including the official spokesperson, rather than intentionality, although I do not know the extent of his media experience, whether he previously worked in the field of journalism or whether he was simply assigned this task to fill the position.
-In stark contrast, we can see that the Ministry of Sports is working with a clear sense of professionalism. It can be seen that any news or information that distorts the truth or causes doubt or confusion in the media is immediately responded to and given explanations by the Undersecretary for Media Affairs of the Ministry of Sports and the official spokesperson Dr. Adel Al-Zahrani through press releases and direct appearances on sports programs. We will clarify the facts and respond without hesitation to irresponsible statements or baseless false information.
Perhaps Dr. Adel Al-Zarani’s speed of reaction to content presented in the media is due to his media expertise and understanding of the nature of this profession and its mission. Therefore, I feel the need to express my gratitude to the Ministry of Sports for its media policy. I also noticed that the Saudi Football Association, through my colleague Sultan Almajos, who is the official spokesperson, has become more interactive with the media. This is a better change than being anti-critical, withholding accurate information, or filing complaints against critics, sports hosts, and guests.
Building on this positive change that we, as sports pundits and media professionals, should support and encourage, I ask His Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, to send a letter to all clubs, federations and committees on the need to substantially reinvigorate the role of media center directors and official spokespeople and enable them to carry out their duties to the fullest. I would also like to underline the importance of the Ministry of Sports and the Olympic Committee not accepting any negligence that would damage the reputation of Saudi football at home and abroad or cause confusion and media confusion at a critical stage that requires a balanced media discourse and a true understanding of national responsibility of all concerned sports authorities.
-This is my proposal to His Highness the Minister of Sports, and I hope that a response will be found soon and that a working group will be formed that will follow a conscious media approach, in line with the governance system and the required transparency principles. God is behind the intention, and it is God who is asking for help.
