Riyad Mahrez says he 'hears and sees' Saudi fans – but one game's attendance was just 133
Saudi Arabia announced its ambition to host the 2034 World Cup while Riyad Mahrez praised the nation's passionate football culture, despite attendance figures being lower than National League games
Riyad Mahrez has claimed he “hears and sees” fans in Saudi Arabia despite the nation’s low attendances for football matches.
Mahrez joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli from Manchester City in the summer for around £30million. The Algerian winger’s move came off the back of a historic Treble with City, playing in front of over 50,000 adoring fans at the Etihad on a weekly basis.
Now Saudi Arabia has announced its intention to bid to host the 2034 World Cup, having already been confirmed as hosts for the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup. And Mahrez voiced his full support for the Middle-Eastern nation’s ambitions.
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He tweeted: “Here we go.... Clearly in the right place, now and for the future. Amazing to see Saudi Arabia bid for the big one. I hear and see the fans. I feel the passion and love of the game. I hope the world gets to see it too.”
But fans on social media were left doubting the 32-year-old’s claims, having spotted thousands of empty seats across SPL matches this season, despite the fortune paid to bring star talents to the country. In fact, one fixture between Al-Riyadh and Al-Akhdoud on September 1 saw just 133 people turn up.
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England midfielder Jordan Henderson had just 976 fans watch him play for Al-Ettifaq against Abha at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium. It came despite Henderson claiming his decision to flock to Saudi was not financially motivated.
Mahrez’s Al-Ahli, who also boast talent such as Edouard Mendy, Franck Kessie, Allan Saint-Maximin and Roberto Firmino, are known for having the strongest following in Saudi.
The Jeddah-based club’s stadium has a capacity of 62,000. However, their average attendance stands at 19,771 this season.