1 – It was a brave, sincere and historic statement by my brother Turki Al-Asheikh. As usual he took responsibility and announced this clearly. If you allow me, I have some observations on what happened today, as I am aware of some matters.
2- When Abu Nasser (Turki Al-Asheikh) took his current post, many people advised him not to provide any support to the national team. They also advised him to announce that he will not make any changes until the end of the World Cup. Their justification was clear; any announced support from your side means you will bear responsibility for any defeat. Our loss is for sure due to several reasons. He rejected this totally and said: “I will spare no effort.”
3- From the very first day, Abu Nasser’s plan was clear. Our work should be two-pronged; a long-term strategic track and another track which he named as “crisis management”. He formed a special team comprising foreign and Saudi experts to identify and list all the strong and weak points as well as the opportunities and challenges facing Saudi sports (SWOT analysis).
4- Work started immediately on both tracks. From the very beginning, the financial and legal challenges were quite clear. They posed a danger and could even cause the total collapse of Saudi sports. The situation in Saudi sports clubs was a disaster from the two aspects and needed speedy intervention. The majority of sports clubs, if not all, did not have a professional lawyer or accountant.
5- The known Saudi talents are just a few and are restricted to the clubs. No new player can be discovered except through the clubs. The role of schools, neighborhoods and universities is totally missing. He took a brave and speedy decision to allow recruiting expatriates born in Saudi Arabia.
6- As to the strategic level, he drew up a magnificent plan to invigorate sports, especially soccer, in schools, universities and neighborhoods. The plan is set to see the light in the coming few months. He also took another decision to allow Saudi players to play for overseas sports clubs as professional players.
7- He used to repeat quite often that these are temporary solutions and that he is working tirelessly on the strategic track. Settlement of arrears by the clubs was one of the great and speedy strategic gains achieved with generous support from the Crown Prince. Were it not for this, there would have been a total collapse of Saudi soccer with some clubs even stopping functioning.
8- Many people do not know that the football strategic plan of the General Sports Authority (GSA) contains what was stated by Abu Nasser that talented Saudi youths will be sent on scholarship abroad to specialist soccer schools since the age of 12 or less. This is a dream we all wish will come true.
9- While he was working on the soccer track, he laid down another track for all the other sports and games. He set up new and innovative federations. He also supported all the sports federations — old and new. Regrettably, the media focuses on soccer. These accomplishments are not highlighted. How I wish the GSA would shed light on them for all to see.
10- As sports is a culture, recreation and conduct, he held many magnificent artistic, sports and entertainment events. He drew up the code of ethics. The GSA brought happiness and smiles into every Saudi home with its various activities. He drew up plans to bring big international sports events to Saudi Arabia. The WWE event is just a drop in the ocean of what is coming, God willing.
11- Some people might not know that the GSA is among the most prominent Saudi government institutions that are racing against time. It has achieved some of the programs of Kingdom’s Vision 2030 that were planned to be completed in 2020; that is, it has achieved the programs over 18 months before the deadline. I believe it is the only (Saudi) authority that has been able to make such an achievement till now.
12- Why did I write the previous tweets? The inevitable answer is: Our relations and friendship bring us together. That might have been one of the reasons in my subconscious mind. The real reason is: The culture of shouldering responsibility is lacking in many ministers. The majority blame others for their own mistakes and shortcomings. Turki Al-Asheikh is laying the foundation stone for a new government culture. All of us support it and demand its implementation.
13- I will disclose a simple secret that will highlight Abu Nasser’s courage, self-confidence and his trust in the nation’s fans. Information surfaced that there are mercenaries who were planning to attack him verbally and that might develop to a physical assault. All requested him not to go to the place where Saudi fans have gathered in Moscow. He replied: “I’ll go there as I don’t mind any response.”
14- Finally, I say: “Our loss is painful. The anger of the fans, who love the Saudi national team, is logical and justified. Exploiting this by the enemies to incite, glee and settle scores is understandable and expected. We wish our national team would play better in the coming matches. They should leave a good impression. Our hope is for a sports future that is in conformity with our nation and its status.”
15- Those who were sad that Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman attended the match on Eid Al-Fitr eve and returned immediately following the match despite the hardship, should know that he insisted on attending the match. He was informed on the standard and the probability of a big loss, but he replied: “I am with our national team whether they win or lose.” Among the advantages of his attending this big reception was the honor for our country to be guest of honor at the opening, despite this being a breach of protocol.
