RIYADH — The Saudi Pro League’s General Assembly announced on Monday that they have appointed global sports executive Garry Cook as executive president and CEO.

The General Assembly, including representatives of the league’s clubs and football partners, met on Monday to announce sweeping changes to the governance of the league as it looks to grow its global appeal.

According to SPL extra website Chairman Abdulaziz Alafaleq said: “We are delighted Garry has accepted our invitation to lead Saudi Pro League as we grow and become a world leading league.

“Following the arrival of global superstar [Cristiano] Ronaldo, the eyes of the world are on Saudi football and we are excited about the opportunity to grow our audience, improve our fan experience and drive commercial and broadcast opportunities which strengthen the financial position of the league and the clubs.”

Vice-Chairman Saad Allazeez said: “Garry brings a rich experience of working in global sports business and specifically football. We were impressed with his ambitious plans for the league, to connect with a global fanbase and to drive commercial opportunities to put the league and the clubs in a financially stable position.”

Cook said: “I was immediately impressed by the passion and ambition of the Saudi Pro League’s board and leadership. The Ministry of Sport is committed to delivering a wider role for sport as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and football, as the most popular game, is central to that mission.

“We have been challenged to deliver a program of transformation for football on the world stage.

“I have been warmly welcomed in Riyadh and look forward to immediately starting work to realize our ambition to make Saudi football a powerhouse of the global game.”

Garry Cook served as the former Manchester City chief executive. He moved to Manchester City from Nike in 2008 and was CEO of the Premier League club when it was purchased by Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. — SG