All Saudi top-tier football clubs to go private

Six more clubs from the 18-strong league are available for privatization next month, followed by the other eight “at a later stage”, a statement said late Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the top oil exporter’s sovereign wealth vehicle, took a majority stake in Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad last year.

The four clubs have signed superstars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar on eye-watering contracts.