SPL outlines governance and club development plan for sustainable growth at LEAP 2026 | OneFootball

SPL outlines governance and club development plan for sustainable growth at LEAP 2026 | OneFootball

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·9 September 2026

SPL outlines governance and club development plan for sustainable growth at LEAP 2026

Article image:SPL outlines governance and club development plan for sustainable growth at LEAP 2026

The Saudi Pro League has set out how stronger governance, financial rules and club development underpin the next phase of Saudi football’s growth.

According to spl.com.sa, Jesus Arroyo, advisor to SPL chief executive Omar Mugharbel, told LEAP 2026 in Riyadh that the league’s transformation is focused on building structures to support sustainable long-term progress.


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He highlighted the SPL Club Handbook and the Financial Regulations, introduced last year, as practical steps. The handbook sets minimum standards, including for match operations, to ensure a consistent experience nationwide.

The financial framework is intended to help clubs move towards sustainability and provide a reliable product for fans, broadcasters, commercial partners and investors.

Central to the plan is raising standards across all clubs, not only the biggest names. The SPL’s Club Development Unit works with teams on organisational and commercial capabilities.

Arroyo said results alone address the short term, and lasting success relies on strong operations off the pitch. Clubs are encouraged to build commercial expertise, understand audiences and create value from their brands, content and fan engagement, including digital and international reach.

He linked rigorous governance to attracting private capital. While the Ministry of Sport leads privatisation, the SPL sets consistent regulations, supports clubs in preparing for investment and helps prospective investors understand the framework.

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”

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