You Can’t Buy Fans: Will the Saudi Pro League take over the world of football with only 976 fans watching Al-Ettifaq vs. Abha Club?

Far away from the loyal fans of the famous Liverpool and the ear-numbing noise of their beloved Anfield, Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson are possibly regretting their massively controversial moves now.

The bank balance must be happy but are they really enjoying being in front of a tiny exhibition-like crowd each week?

After a positive start to the season with an encouraging 13,930 fans eagerly watching the season-opening 2-1 win against megastar Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, attendance and enthusiasm have seemingly faltered dismally when it comes to the interest in watching 5th-placed Al-Ettifaq and the cash-rich league in general.

Despite only being 3 points off the top, something is off and the former Liverpool legends must be feeling like they have been drinking sour milk lately.

Are the local fans bored already after only six games in? It certainly seems so. This must be a massive worry with an ambitious League feeling rather embarrassed that they can’t get a decent crowd in despite the enormous riches and player talent available.

With the Premier League ruling the world when it comes to matchday experiences and smartly hyping up the whole season, the Saudi Pro League seems to be still finding its feet when it comes to attracting fans long-term into the stadium.

Tickets are sold on each team’s website and besides Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, only being able to purchase seats two days before the game could be an avoidable issue which is causing a lackadaisical approach so far from local supporters.

Will this lack of interest put off future superstars from packing their bags for the desert? Time will certainly tell.

The director of football for the Saudi Pro League, Michael Emenalo, must surely be scrambling for solutions. Offering season tickets for all teams on one platform would be a good start.

Source: Saudi Pro League