Al-Ittihad ownership decision could be delayed until the end of 2027

Al-Ittihad may have to wait until the end of 2027 before a new investor is selected to take control of the club, with the ownership process still subject to financial and administrative reviews.

The Saudi newspaper Okaz reports that the file concerning the transfer of Al-Ittihad’s ownership remains under assessment as the relevant authorities consider the applications submitted by potential investors.

The timetable will depend on the results of checks into the financial strength and administrative capabilities of the parties involved. According to the report, the process could continue for an extended period and may not be completed until the end of next year.

Negotiations with the parties concerned are continuing, while the examination of the submitted files has made significant progress. The process has now reached the stage of reviewing detailed financial and administrative information before a final assessment is made.

The review includes an examination of each investor’s funding arrangements and financial liabilities, as well as checks on whether they can meet the requirements for owning and managing Al-Ittihad in the short and medium term.

Applications from both Saudi and international investors are being considered under the conditions and regulations set by the club’s ownership authority. Those rules require a local partner to be included in the ownership structure, in line with the approved regulatory framework.

However, local investors are permitted to submit an application to acquire the club independently, with ownership of up to 70% of its shares available to them. They must still meet the required standards for financial solvency and administrative competence.

The delay means Al-Ittihad will not immediately follow the path taken by their traditional rivals Al Hilal.

Al Hilal became the first of the so-called four major Saudi clubs to leave the ownership of the Saudi Public Investment Fund. In April, 70% of the club’s shares were transferred to Kingdom Holding Company, which is owned by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.

The ownership changes form part of the wider restructuring of leading clubs competing in the Roshn Saudi League, although Al-Ittihad’s future investor has yet to be confirmed.

Al-Ittihad are scheduled to face Al Hilal in the Roshn Saudi League on 20 November 2026. On 7 November 2026, Al-Ettifaq are listed to play Al Hilal, while Al-Khaleej are listed to face Al-Ittihad.