Bader Al-Raziza says Saudi Arabia’s Gulf Arab Cup “Khaleeji 27” triumph cannot be attributed to him or his board after only 38 days in charge of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
Saudi Arabia defeated United Arab Emirates 2-0 in Tuesday’s final at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah to win the title for the fourth time.
Asked by Al Kass whether he was among the fastest federation presidents to win a trophy with the national team, Al-Raziza rejected the suggestion.
“The players, the head coach and Yasser Al-Misehal, the former president of the football federation, are the ones who won the tournament, not Bader Al-Raziza,” he said.
“Anyone who thinks that I and my board could win a title in only 38 days, since our election, is ignorant. That is impossible and illogical.”
Al-Raziza said the victory was the result of work that had been under way long before he took office.
“It is true that my board and I achieved the result, but the reality is that the work has been continuing for a long time,” he said. “We have seen development in the youth teams, academies and across all the leagues.”
He also praised the squad for overcoming a demanding schedule and a series of injuries during the tournament.
“To be honest, injuries really hurt us,” Al-Raziza said. “The players had played seven league rounds before featuring in five matches in the tournament. They produced good performances despite the tremendous psychological pressure they carried.
“I thank them for the spirit I saw during the time I spent with them throughout the tournament.”
Al-Raziza added: “Praise be to God, the Saudi national team is always present and always competing, and Saudi sport is always producing talent.”
However, he criticised the way sporting projects are judged solely by the trophies they deliver.
“Unfortunately, in sport the assessment is always based on the question of which championships you have won and what you have achieved,” he said. “That is unfair.”
Looking further ahead, Al-Raziza said preparations for the 2034 World Cup needed to begin with players who are currently 14 years old.
“If we are talking about the 2034 World Cup, we must start preparing players aged 14 from now,” he said. “The project is a long one and requires patience. God willing, in 2034 someone other than me will be in charge to reap the results of what we will do.”
In comments to Al-Riyadiya, Al-Raziza thanked the Minister of Sport and the country’s leadership for their generous support and for overseeing the tournament.
“Praise be to God, this is a celebration that has not happened for 23 years,” he said.
Saudi Arabia’s victory ended a 23-year wait for the Gulf title, with Al-Raziza also acknowledging Yasser Al-Misehal’s contribution to the wider work that led to the success.
