Achieving Greatness: The Journey of the SPL Saudi Pro League World Cup Football 2030

New Saudi Pro League (SPL) strategy aligns and builds upon youth development program of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) with new regulations to be implemented during 2023-2024 season and seasons ahead • SPL appoint Michael Emenalo to Director of Football to lead new Player Acquisition Center of Excellence (PACE) to provide centralized approach to transfer and assist with squad mapping and player care • Innovative new model gives clubs best possible expertise and governance to drive sustainability RIYADH, 18th July 2023: The Saudi Pro League (SPL) today announced a new strategy in alignment with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) to drive competitiveness on and off the pitch with an emphasis on fostering young Saudi talent alongside securing the best international talent and improving the governance of all clubs for long-term success. Amongst a number of new regulations and initiatives to be revealed ahead of the new season, the SPL will increase the playing time of young Saudi players in the league by reducing the age of eligibility from 18 years old to 16 years old, with immediate effect for the 2023-2024 season. A further such step focused on youth development will see the reduction squad sizes from the current number of 35 players overall, to 25 senior players with the remaining 10 squad members all having to be under the age of 21 years old, from the 2025-2026 season. #spl #saudiproleague #sciencemodernera