The former president of Saudi Arabian football club Al-Taawoun, Mohammed Al-Qasim, cited internal upheaval as the reason for his resignation, following questioning from a prominent sports journalist. The exchange, which took place on February 18, 2026, has sparked discussion about influence within Saudi sports.
Journalist Batal Al-Qaws directly asked Al-Qasim if he was forced to step down because he repeatedly refused requests from individuals who currently wield significant power in Saudi sports. “Were you forced to resign because you said ‘no’ more than once to those to whom ‘no’ cannot currently be said in Saudi sport?” Al-Qaws asked, according to reports.
Al-Qasim responded that “circumstances within the house of Al-Taawoun” led to his resignation, adding that there was a shift in the club’s honorary members and what he described as a “coup.” The details of these internal conflicts remain unclear.
This situation highlights the complexities of leadership transitions and potential external pressures within Saudi Arabian football. The case underscores the delicate balance between club autonomy and the influence of powerful figures in the country’s sporting landscape.
