Ex-Al Nassr president rejects Al Ahli fan claims over Matthias Jaissle exit in pointed social media post

Former Al Nassr president Prince Faisal bin Turki has publicly distanced himself and his old club from Matthias Jaissle’s departure from Al Ahli, after sections of the Jeddah side’s support accused Nassr-linked figures of playing a role in the German coach’s exit.

Saudi media reports on Thursday said Jaissle had submitted his resignation as Al Ahli head coach in order to take charge of Newcastle United next season, succeeding his former boss Eddie Howe.

In the wake of those reports, Prince Faisal posted a message on X that many interpreted as a direct response to Al Ahli fans and as a dismissal of any Al Nassr involvement.

“حلوا مشاكلكم مع مدربكم الذي ترككم بعيدا عن النصر، لا ندري عنه ولم نات بخبره,” he wrote – a comment that roughly urges Al Ahli supporters to resolve their issues with their own coach and insists Al Nassr have nothing to do with him.

The post came after some Al Ahli fans on social media suggested that officials or figures associated with Al Nassr were behind Jaissle’s decision to leave.

Although Prince Faisal did not mention Al Ahli by name in the message, it was widely seen as a reply to those accusations from supporters of the Jeddah club, known as “Al-Raqi”.

Tense rivalry as coaching saga unfolds

Relations between the two fanbases have been strained since last season, when Al Ahli and Al Nassr met in high-profile domestic fixtures.

The rivalry intensified during the Saudi Super Cup, where Al Ahli claimed the title, and in the Saudi Pro League (Dawri Roshn) meetings, with each side recording a win over the other across the campaign.

Tensions were further fuelled by comments from some Al Ahli players following one of those matches. Turkish defender Merih Demiral was among the most vocal, accusing officials in the Saudi league structure of favouring Al Nassr because of the presence of Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

That backdrop of suspicion and animosity has framed the reaction among parts of the Al Ahli support to Jaissle’s pending move, with some looking for external influences in the coach’s departure.

Jaissle set for Premier League move

Jaissle, who previously worked under Howe, is reported to be on the verge of taking over at Newcastle United for the coming season, pending formal confirmation.

His decision to step down from his role at Al Ahli has left the club confronting an unexpected change in the dugout, while also reigniting debate and rivalry between two of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent clubs.

For his part, Prince Faisal has made clear he does not accept any suggestion that he, or Al Nassr, had a hand in the German’s exit, insisting via his post that the issue is strictly between Al Ahli and their departing coach.