Al-Hilal president warns financial claims target Saudi state institutions

Al-Hilal president Prince Nawaf bin Saad has rejected allegations of financial manipulation surrounding the club’s major signings during the current summer transfer window, saying accusations against the club also implicate Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Ministry of Sport.

Prince Nawaf said Al-Hilal was the only club to publish its financial statements and defended the funding behind the club’s recent activity.

“Al-Hilal is the only club that announces its financial lists, and I have previously spoken about the scale of the financial support from Prince Alwaleed bin Talal,” he said in comments reported by Saudi journalist Maan Al-Qowai’e.

“All the figures are available and recorded, and the Public Investment Fund represents the state. Therefore, everyone must respect those bodies and attach great importance to them, because what is happening now is an accusation that state institutions are manipulating matters.”

He added: “The two bodies that have faced the most accusations are the Public Investment Fund and the Ministry of Sport. This should not happen. We must respect the state’s institutions, and anyone who does that does not understand the seriousness of his actions. We are in a country governed by Sharia before the law.”

The remarks come after Al-Hilal completed a series of high-profile deals during the summer market, prompting questions over how the club’s spending is being financed.

Prince Nawaf also provided an explanation for Karim Benzema’s departure from Al-Hilal after only half a season with the club. The France striker joined Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad during the previous winter transfer window, but his contract has now been ended by mutual agreement.

The Al-Hilal president said the decision was sporting rather than disciplinary and praised Benzema for his conduct throughout the process.

“I thank Karim (Benzema) for the way he handled the matter with great dignity and professionalism. His departure was a sporting decision, and he accepted it. He is a great player. He was not excluded, but his contract was terminated by mutual consent,” said Prince Nawaf.

He explained that the arrival of Ollie Watkins had reduced Benzema’s opportunities to play, although he stressed that the striker had not been completely without a chance of featuring.

“With Ollie Watkins, Karim’s chances of playing became fewer. They were still there, but we had to be honest with him about the club’s overall situation. The settlement was completed well and reflected the co-operation that took place between the club and the player,” he said.

Benzema, who has a significant record in the game, was described by Prince Nawaf as an important figure in the history of world football.

“Karim is a great player and has a very significant history. He is an important player in the history of world football, and we wish him success,” the president added.

According to Prince Nawaf, Benzema accepted the administrative decision in a professional manner before the agreement between the player and Al-Hilal was concluded.