Saudi Football Drama: Al-Hilal Fined, Al-Ittihad Eyes Bruno Fernandes, and Al-Nassr’s 1976 Final Curse Continues!

Hey hey hey, Smashi Sports Fam! 🌟⚽🏀🎾 Big moves this week! Al Ain wants foreign refs in UAE matches, while the Saudi Pro League is buzzing with transfers. Al-Hilal gets fined 500k SAR and banned from Super Cup, Al-Ittihad eyes Bruno Fernandes with a £100 million bid, and Al-Nassr still can’t beat Al-Ahli in finals since 1976. Plus, Gulf United teams up with Gordonstoun to develop football stars, and Julian Draxler explains why joining Qatar’s Al-Ahli was the right move.🔥

Al-Hilal withdrew and was fined 500k SAR, banned from Super Cup matches.

• In a stunning ruling, the appeals committee has officially withdrawn Al-Hilal from the upcoming knockout tournament, granting Al-Qadisiyah a 3-0 victory in their scheduled match on August 20, 2025.

• In addition to the loss, Al-Hilal must pay a fine of 500,000 SAR within 30 days. The team is also banned from participating in any 2025 Saudi super cup matches and future knockout competitions.

• This decision stems from a violation of disciplinary rules under article 59. the sanctions also include a ban on financial contributions for Al-Hilal's performance this season, deepening their setback.

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Al-Ittihad Launches a £100 million Bid for Bruno Fernandes Leaving United Star With Huge Decision

• Manchester United have received a blockbuster £90m-£100m bid from Saudi side Al-Ittihad for captain Bruno Fernandes. The offer landed within the last 24 hours.

• United’s stance is clear: the decision rests solely with Bruno. The club won’t stand in his way should he decide to leave Old Trafford for a new chapter in Saudi Arabia.

• For Fernandes, it’s a defining crossroads — remain at United to fight for his place, or embrace the adventure and riches of a move to the Middle East.

Following their recent defeat, Saudi Al-Nassr haven't won a final against Al-Ahli since 1976

• Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr have met in five finals since 1976 and Al-Nassr failed to win any of them, turning finals against Al-Ahli into a real jinx

• The most recent of these finals was the Saudi super cup in 2025, which ended with Al-Ahli winning on penalties

Gulf United Teams Up with Gordonstoun School to Build the Next Generation of Football Stars

• Gulf United is proud to announce its official partnership with Gordonstoun School, UK, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions known for developing global leaders and academic excellence.

• This collaboration opens exciting new opportunities for Gulf United players to pursue a top-tier education while continuing their football journeys. It’s a step toward empowering future stars both on and off the field.

• Through this partnership, players gain access to an elite academic environment that complements their athletic development, setting them up for long-term success in both sports and life.

Julian Draxler explains that leaving PSG for Qatar's Al Ahli was the right move

• Draxler explained that he initially went to al Ahli only to regain his fitness and form so that he could return to Europe later on. The player explained that PSG became "Too messy", and that he now has no intentions of leaving Qatar and is happy there.

 🎥The latest from Smashi Sports Show

SMASHI MOMENTS

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• Cristiano Ronaldo scores his 100th goal against Al Ahli in the Super Cup Final, making history like it’s his daily routine.

• Franck Kessié scores to equalize for Al Ahli in the Saudi Super Cup final.

• Marc Cucurella picks Mo Salah as the best player in the Premier League ahead of his team mate, Cole Palmer.

• Ali Lajami knows how to make a fan’s day with a pic, but when it comes to handshakes... he’s keeping it cool and casual.

• Al Hilal’s Joao Cancelo is seen wearing the Saudi National Team kit. Cancelo is turning more Saudi each day.

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