Saudi Pro League football director Michael Emenalo has dismissed claims that Saudi Arabian clubs could compete for a Champions League spot in the future.
Last month it was reported that Saudi Pro League executives were planning to submit a special request to UEFA – a request that would see the league winners enter the UEFA Champions League arena . This is considered a historic proposal, but Emenalo – Saudi Pro League football director has rejected these claims.
Speaking to talkSPORT , Emenalo said: “I don’t know where that came from. I think it’s someone taking a dreamlike leap into the distant future. I think our aim is to make quality and solid moves right in the league, making the Saudi Pro League more exciting for the fans and making the whole world take notice of what we are doing.”
The “sure-fire” move mentioned above has destroyed speculations and scenarios about the Saudi Pro League being able to participate in the C1 Cup, and also ended the prospect of the “king” of the Champions League – Cristiano Ronaldo returning . export to Europe’s largest playground.
Despite what Emenalo has said, there is no doubt that the football world has been taken notice by the transfer deals coming from Saudi Arabia this summer. Big-name players including Neymar, Riyad Mahrez and Jordan Henderson have all left Europe to play in the Gulf country.
With the summer transfer window now closed, clubs in the Saudi Pro League can put their books behind them and focus on football with the next round of matches taking place on September 14.
