Al-Ahli Denies Sporting Director Talks Amid Corruption Allegations
Al-Ahli have rejected reports that the Saudi club is negotiating with several candidates to become its next sporting director, insisting that the names circulating in recent speculation are not part of the recruitment process.
A source close to the club’s new administration told Kooora that claims of talks with the reported candidates were unfounded. The source also said that individuals facing suspicions of corruption could not be considered for such an important role, stressing that transparency and integrity are central to the search.
The statement comes as Al-Ahli work to appoint a permanent sporting director following the departure of Osama Hawsawi, who submitted his resignation on September 27, only 24 days after taking up the position. His exit has left the club seeking a replacement while preparing for a demanding period across domestic and continental football.
Club Emphasizes a Careful Recruitment Process
Al-Ahli have previously said that the search is being handled professionally and with care. The administration has made clear that it does not intend to appoint someone simply to fill the vacancy quickly. Instead, it says the decision will be guided by high professional standards and the club’s long-term needs.
That approach is significant because a sporting director can influence far more than transfer negotiations. The role commonly involves shaping recruitment strategy, coordinating with the coaching staff, assessing squad depth, and helping establish a consistent footballing plan. A strong appointment could therefore affect Al-Ahli’s competitiveness in the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Elite, as well as its ability to build a balanced squad over multiple seasons.
By rejecting the names currently being discussed, the club appears keen to separate its official process from speculation. The source’s comments also underline the sensitivity of the appointment: allegations of misconduct can damage confidence in a candidate before any formal decision is made. Al-Ahli’s emphasis on integrity suggests that reputation and governance will be considered alongside experience and sporting knowledge.
Why the Sporting Director Appointment Matters
Al-Ahli are among the prominent clubs in Saudi football, and expectations from supporters remain high. The sporting director’s work can help connect the club’s immediate ambitions with its longer-term planning, including recruitment, player development, contract management, and decisions about which areas of the squad require investment.
The timing is also important. A new director would need to understand the existing squad, work effectively with the coaching team, and prepare for upcoming fixtures without disrupting the club’s preparations. Rushing the appointment could lead to a poor fit, while taking too long could leave important sporting and administrative decisions without clear leadership. The challenge is to strike a balance between careful vetting and providing stability.
Al-Ahli’s public position indicates that the administration would rather withstand speculation than appoint a candidate before completing its review. For supporters following every transfer update and football prediction, the next meaningful development is likely to be an official announcement rather than another list of unconfirmed names.
Hawsawi’s Brief Tenure Leaves a Vacancy
Hawsawi’s resignation came less than a month after his appointment, making his tenure notably short. The club has not provided further details in the information available about the reasons for his departure. His exit nevertheless created an immediate need to reconsider how the sporting department will be led.
Replacing a senior football executive is not simply a matter of selecting a familiar name. The successful candidate must be capable of working within the club’s structure, communicating with decision-makers, and supporting a coherent strategy in a competitive environment. Al-Ahli’s insistence that it will not rush suggests that the administration wants the eventual appointment to be based on suitability rather than public pressure.
For now, the club’s message is clear: reports linking Al-Ahli to specific candidates should not be treated as confirmation of negotiations. The administration says it is continuing its search, with transparency and professional standards at the centre of the process.
Upcoming Al-Ahli Fixtures
The search is unfolding as Al-Ahli approach a busy run of matches. The club is scheduled to face Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite on October 27, 2026, followed by a Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Shabab on October 31, 2026. These games will test the squad on both the continental and domestic fronts while attention remains on the vacant sporting director position.
Supporters will be watching for signs that the administrative transition has not affected the team’s focus. Match outcomes will depend on performance, preparation, and the strength of the opposition, so any football prediction should be treated as an estimate rather than a certainty. Still, the upcoming fixtures provide an early measure of how Al-Ahli handle a period of change.
What Happens Next?
Al-Ahli have not announced a timetable for naming Hawsawi’s successor. Until the club confirms a candidate, reports about negotiations remain unverified, according to the source quoted by Kooora. The administration’s statements point to a deliberate process designed to protect the club’s credibility and find a leader capable of contributing to its sporting ambitions.
The eventual appointment will be important not only for transfer planning but also for restoring continuity after a sudden change in leadership. For Al-Ahli, the priority is to identify a sporting director who combines football expertise with sound judgment and a commitment to transparent conduct. The club says it will take the time needed to make that choice—and supporters will be waiting to see whether the final decision strengthens its plans for the future.
