Al Riyadi Beat Al Ahly, Conceição Criticises Saudi Players And Qatar Investors Eye Inter Milan

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From Al Riyadi’s unbeaten run in Dubai to Sergio Conceição’s criticism of Saudi football and reported Qatari investment interest in Inter Milan, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. Al Riyadi beat Al Ahly 84-81 to finish top of their tournament group, Conceição questioned the professionalism of some Saudi players following his Al Ittihad exit, and Qatar’s Al Mirqab is reportedly exploring a minority stake in Inter Milan.

Al Riyadi Beat Al Ahly To Finish Group Stage Unbeaten

What Is It About
Al Riyadi Beirut defeated Egypt’s Al Ahly 84-81 at the Shabab Al Ahli International Basketball Tournament in Dubai, avenging their 2022 Arab Clubs Championship defeat. The Lebanese champions finished top of Group B with three wins from three.

Why It Matters
Al Ahly led 44-43 at halftime, but Al Riyadi turned the game around with a 29-18 third quarter. West delivered 31 points and 13 rebounds, earning Player of the Game as Al Riyadi completed an unbeaten group stage with 297 points scored.

What’s Next
Al Riyadi face hosts Shabab Al Ahli on October 20, while Group A winners Antonine Baabda meet Al Ahly. The tournament concludes with the final in Dubai on October 21.

Conceição Criticises Saudi Players After Al Ittihad Exit

What Is It About
Former Al Ittihad coach Sergio Conceição has criticised the professionalism and training habits of some Saudi players. Speaking on La Gazzetta dello Sport’s La Tripletta podcast, the Portuguese manager described significant differences between coaching in Saudi Arabia and Europe.

Why It Matters
Conceição claimed some local players struggled with discipline, training intensity and professional expectations, while alleging that certain players missed sessions for personal or religious reasons. He said the league operates at a lower rhythm than European football, although he acknowledged its progress.

What’s Next
Conceição left Al Ittihad in June following a review of the team’s performances. While he praised his treatment by the club and country, his comments have reopened debate about Saudi football’s development and the gap between international signings and local players.

Qatari Investors Explore Minority Stake In Inter Milan

What Is It About
Qatar’s Al Mirqab investment group is reportedly exploring a minority stake in Inter Milan. According to Tuttosport, the Doha-based group associated with former Qatari prime minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani has held preliminary discussions.

Why It Matters
Inter are controlled by Oaktree Capital Management, which took ownership in 2024 after Suning failed to repay a loan. The reported investment would be non-controlling, potentially bringing fresh capital without changing the club’s leadership or day-to-day ownership.

What’s Next
Inter’s improving finances and proposed new stadium could attract investors. However, discussions remain at an early stage, with no formal offer, agreement or confirmation from Oaktree. For now, this is reported Qatari interest rather than a confirmed investment.

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SMASHI MOMENTS

• MO SALAH DOES IT AGAIN!⁠⁠

• Al Ittihad fans were very hostile with Shabab Al Ahli players

• RC Lens’ Saud Abdulhamid was all smiles when he heard the UEFA Champions League anthem

• This fan was not happy when Palestine beat china 5-0 in Shanghai. He certainly let his feelings known.

• Fans started a protest for Cristiano Ronaldo over his treatment at the hands of the Portugal National Team. Ronaldo really does have the streets!

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