Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2022-2023 semi-finals and finals of India’s Hero Santosh Trophy, in Riyadh on March 1 and March 4. The Kingdom will become the first overseas country to host the knockout stages since its inception back in 1941.
The relationship between the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and All India Football Federation (AIFF) was solidified in October 2022 with the signing of a MoU which covers various aspects of the game including youth development to coaching and women’s football.
King Fahd International Stadium will be host to matches, the 68,000 capacity ground has hosted other major sporting events such as the Spanish Super Cup and Italian Super Cup.
Brining the final stages of the Santosh Trophy to Saudi Arabia aligns with the AIFF’s vision to promote Indian football beyond its boundaries and helping attract new fans and generate interest on a global level, Players will also have the chance to showcase their talent on a wider level.
“We are delighted to welcome all four teams to the Kingdom as they compete on Saudi soil for the first overseas Santosh Trophy in history. We are aware of the value of this competition, how much it means to Indians across the world and the great memories and traditions it holds. We wish all teams the very best of luck and a great stay in Saudi Arabia,” SAFF General Secretary Ibrahim Alkassim.
“On behalf of the AIFF, I express my sincere gratitude to SAFF, for hosting the prestigious Hero Santosh Trophy in Riyadh. It is an ample testimony of the deep-rooted relationship between the two federations, which has grown into a symbiotic association to take the beautiful game ahead. I am confident that the organization of the Hero Santosh Trophy in Riyadh will leave a mark in the minds of all participants and young footballers, who will carry home an experience which they will cherish for many years to come,” AIFF Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran.
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