Karren Brady, leader of the Premier League, reacted to the daring affirmations of Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo according to which the Saudi pro League is at the same level as the Premier League. Brady admitted to having been “amazed” by these comparisons, emphasizing that the Saudi project is far from equaling the world standards of the Premier League in terms of quality, support and prestige.
Toney recently suggested that her Al-Ahli team “would end close to the Top 4” if she played in the Premier League. Ronaldo also supported the idea that the Saudi first division is tied with the European elite championships. Brady, however, refuted these arguments, stressing the low crowd and the age group of many foreign stars.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) Brady Riposte to the claims of CR7
“Ivan Toney's assertions that the Saudi pro League is tied with the Premier League left me mouth.”wrote Brady in his article published in the Sun. Footballers have the right to exercise their profession where they wish. But comparing the emerging project of Saudi Arabia, active since 2008, to the world benchmark for football is more than an exaggeration, it is absurd.
She added: ” The Saudi Pro League is simply little followed, even in Saudi Arabia. Last season, the average attendance was 8,354 spectators, against 10,102 in League One and 6,090 in League Two. Thanks to massive investments, the Saudi Pro League may one day reach a competitive level worthy of real respect. But she will not be able to compete with the first for a long time. ”
The Saudi Pro League caused a sensation by attracting renowned players like Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mané, benefiting from colossal contracts. However, many of these players are at the twilight of their career, and the popularity of the championship remains limited, even at the local level. Brady claims that if the Saudi investment is undeniable, he cannot yet compete with the world scope of the Premier League, his stages filled and his competitive balance.
The Premier League indifferent to the sudden boom in the Saudi pro League
The comments of Toney and Ronaldo will continue to fuel the debate on the Saudi football project and its rapid growth. The leaders of the Premier League remain convinced, however, that their competition is unequaled in terms of quality and commercial appeal. For the moment, Saudi football still has a long way to go before being considered a real opponent of the English elite.
