Walid Al-Faraj’s comeback show gets an unexpected reminder of his television past

Walid Al-Faraj began his new programme with an on-air slip that instantly drew attention, accidentally using the name of his former show before correcting himself in front of viewers.

The Saudi presenter made the mistake during the opening of Rotana Sport with Walid, saying “Action with Walid” instead. That was the title he used for many years during his previous spell with the MBC group.

Al-Faraj quickly realised what he had said and corrected the error on air. Rather than ignore the moment or move straight on to the next part of the programme, he responded with the humour that has become associated with his presenting style.

“Forgive us, we haven’t practised yet and the guys have been waiting for a mistake from early on,” he said, referring to his production team and the viewers who had been expecting any slip-up during his first appearance.

The brief exchange quickly circulated among followers on social media and other platforms. Its timing made it particularly notable, coming during the first episode of Al-Faraj’s new broadcasting venture and giving the programme an unplanned but light-hearted opening moment.

The mistake was understandable given the length of Al-Faraj’s association with Action with Walid. The programme became a central part of his identity in Saudi sports media and was closely linked with his public profile among football supporters.

His move to Rotana Sport with Walid therefore represents a new professional chapter, but the opening broadcast showed that changing the programme title may be easier than breaking long-established habits. The presenter now faces the task of settling into a different format while leaving behind the routines built up during his previous experience.

The incident also provided an early talking point around the programme’s launch, with the former title briefly taking centre stage before the new name was restored. There was no indication that the slip affected the rest of the broadcast, and Al-Faraj dealt with it by acknowledging the moment rather than allowing it to become awkward.

The article also referenced a separate report in which Al-Qahtani criticised Al Ahli, describing their celebrations as excessive and saying Al-Diriyah had been better.

Readers were also directed to purchase tickets for matches in the Roshn Saudi League through a promotional message included alongside the coverage.