Saudi Pro League lining up move for top Premier League referees

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :September 28, 2023 at 9:03 PM

Modified at :December 13, 2023 at 1:01 PM

Saudi Pro League lining up move for top Premier League referees

(Courtesy : Premier League )

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According to rumours, Saudi Pro League want to entice Premier League officials to work in the Kingdom as they keep reestablishing its league following a summer of massive spending.

The Saudi Pro League made news during the most recent transfer window when it signed Neymar Jr., Karim Benzema, Jordan Henderson, and Ruben Neves to help promote the fledgling league.

Numerous foreign managers have also been drawn to the league by lucrative offers, including ex-Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who joined Al-Ittihad, and England icon Steven Gerrard, who is currently in charge of Al-Ettifaq.

But as the Gulf state refines its on-pitch skills, attention has now turned to the game's refereeing.

According to the Times, as an additional stage in the growth of their league, Saudi Arabia is inquiring about hiring referees from the Premier League among the rest of Europe's top division.

The Saudi Pro League has utilised foreign officials for outstanding games, sending officials from Argentina, New Zealand, and Paraguay to officiate matches.

However, it is believed that the Saudi Pro League is considering offering season-long contracts to top officials, raising concerns among leagues in Europe about a potential talent drain.

Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.