On March 1 and 4, 2022-23, the Kingdom will host the semi-finals and finals of India’s Hero Santosh Trophy Riyadh. This will be the first time the competition has been played outside of India since its inception in 1941, and it follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi and Indian FAs to collaborate on football development at the end of last year.
Saudi Arabia, which hopes to host some of football’s biggest tournaments, including the World Cup in 2030, is also sharing its facilities and hospitality with the second-largest country in the world, despite being at the bottom of the football pyramid in terms of performance.
SAFF General Secretary Ibrahim Alkassim stated that they are delighted to welcome all four teams to the Kingdom as they compete for the first time on Saudi soil for the Santosh Trophy. He also mentioned that they are aware of the importance of the competition and how much it means to Indians all over the world, as well as the wonderful memories and traditions it holds.
The Santosh Trophy, now in its 76th year, will be held at the King Fahd International Stadium, which will host all four matches. This year, the 68,000-capacity stadium has already hosted the Spanish Super Cup between Real Madrid, Barcelona, Real Betis, and Valencia, as well as the Italian Super Cup between AC Milan and Inter Milan.
Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, Secretary General of the AIFF, stated that it is ample testimony of the two Federations’ deep-rooted relationship, which has grown into a symbiotic association to advance the beautiful game, and that he is confident that the organization of the Hero Santosh Trophy in Riyadh will leave an impression on all participants and young footballers, who will take home an experience that they will remember for many years.
