Al-Ittihad president Fahad Sindi faces mounting pressure after Walid Al-Farraj warning

Walid Al-Farraj has suggested that a decision on the future of Al-Ittihad president Fahad Sindi could be made this week, as pressure grows on the club’s leadership following a disappointing start to the Roushn Saudi League season.

The Saudi sports broadcaster said Sindi’s position would not be determined by supporters’ demands or media criticism, but by the authorities responsible for overseeing the country’s sports sector.

“I will not waste my time demanding that Fahad Sindi leave, because the decision is not in his hands,” Al-Farraj wrote on his official X account.

His comments came after Al-Ittihad were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Kholood in the opening round of the league campaign. The result intensified frustration among the club’s supporters, who had expected a more positive start after Al-Ittihad’s emphatic four-goal victory over United Arab Emirates club Al Jazira in the AFC Champions League Elite play-off.

Al-Farraj also said he believed the club’s current situation would concern senior officials at the Public Investment Fund and the Ministry of Sport.

“I am confident that the senior management at PIF and the Ministry of Sport are not satisfied with the state of tension experienced by the club and its supporters,” he added.

That assessment has fuelled speculation that intervention from the relevant authorities could be possible, with administrative decisions potentially being taken in the coming days.

Al-Farraj was also critical of Sindi’s standing among Al-Ittihad supporters, saying: “Sindi’s card has been burned with the fans and the public.”

The remark reflected the growing loss of popularity surrounding the president, with sections of the Al-Ittihad fanbase calling for changes after becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the club’s current direction.

The broadcaster’s comments followed a rise in criticism of Al-Ittihad’s recruitment and the level of backing provided to the club. Some supporters believe the club did not do enough to strengthen its squad before the beginning of the season.

Al-Farraj ended his message by hinting that developments could come shortly.

“There must be some decision that will be issued this week… the sports sector is in safe hands,” he said.

Those remarks have opened the door to further speculation over whether new administrative measures will be announced at Al-Ittihad before the end of the week. However, Sindi’s future as club president remains officially undecided.

The uncertainty comes at a difficult moment for Al-Ittihad, with growing pressure from supporters following the draw with Al-Kholood and concerns over the club’s preparations. The team’s strong performance against Al Jazira had raised expectations before the league campaign began, but the opening result has instead added to the tension surrounding the club.

For now, there has been no formal confirmation that Sindi will leave his position or that any changes will be made to Al-Ittihad’s administration. Nevertheless, Al-Farraj’s remarks underline the scale of the scrutiny facing the club and have left supporters waiting to see what decisions, if any, are announced in the days ahead.