Saff approves 2024 budget + New stadium for Newcastle United?

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (Saff) reported SAR 1.5 bn in total revenues and grants in 2024, which covered league operations, club support, national team programs, and administrative expenses, Asharq Al Awsat reports. Saff’s financials were approved during its 17th ordinary general assembly last Tuesday, according to a post on X.

The breakdown: The budget included SAR 243 mn for leagues and competitions, SAR 308 mn for club support and prizes, and SAR 303 mn dedicated to national team training camps and tournaments. Meanwhile, salaries and benefits for employees and staff — across 18 national teams — accounted for SAR 259 mn, while SAR 116.9 mn was allocated for the referees’ committee. The budget also included SAR 102 mn in transportation expenses and SAR 65 mn for strategic projects.

Also from the assembly: Saff’s fiscal year will now start 1 January and end December 31, ditching the old fiscal year which started mid-year. The federation will also form a club oversight committee to monitor the compliance of privately owned clubs with financial and operational regulations.

IN OTHER SPORTS NEWS-

New stadium for Newcastle United? PIF Governer and Newcastle United Chairman Yasir Al Rumayyan was presented with plans for a revamped St. James’ Park as well as plans for a brand new stadium at a meeting with senior club management last Monday, The Telegraph reports.

The options on the table: The plans include a fresh GBP 1.5 bn multi-sport 70k-seater stadium, to be built on an overlapping area with Newcastle's current home venue, and set to become England’s second-largest club ground following Manchester United’s Old Trafford. The alternative scenario would see the club developing its current stadium involve raising the capacity to 60k, which will come at a cost of GBP 800 mn. The development plan would be completed within five years.

It remains unclear which of the two scenarios Al Rumayyan will opt for, although the newspaper cites sources “behind the scenes” as saying they are “confident that the new stadium proposal will eventually get the green light.”

ALSO- The first phase of Sports Boulevard will open its doors today, marking a 40% completion rate for the project, state news agency SPA reports. This phase — spanning 83 km of the route that will be opened to visitors — includes Wadi Hanifa, the Promenade, Al Rimal Sports Park, as well as the internal track at the Princess Nourah University.