Soccer

Steven Gerrard named manager of Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq

Amnesty International criticise move by former Liverpool captain

Steven Gerrard has become the latest famous football figure to join the Saudi league. Photograph: Georgi Licovski/EPA/Shutterstock

Carl Markham, PA
Mon Jul 3 2023 - 19:49

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is the latest big name to make the move to Saudi Arabia after signing a two-year contract to become head coach of Al-Ettifaq.

The 43-year-old has returned to management after being sacked by Aston Villa in October less than a year into the job after winning just two of their opening 12 Premier League games of last season.

“Without a doubt Gerrard’s presence will be an addition and a quantum leap to our league,” said Al-Ettifaq president Khaled Al-Dabal.

Gerrard, who previously led Rangers to the Scottish Premier League title in 2020-21 to secure his first managerial trophy, had been a long-term target for the Saudi club but he revealed last month he had turned down an initial approach.

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“I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, which I did, and have been analysing that over the last couple of days. As we stand, right now, I won’t be taking that offer up,” Gerrard told BT Sport at the Champions League final.

However, Al-Ettifaq, who finished seventh out of 16 clubs in the Saudi Pro League, maintained their interest and Gerrard has had a change of heart.

Human rights organisation Amnesty International criticised Gerrard’s move, with UK economic affairs director Peter Frankental saying the “gathering stampede” to join Saudi Arabian clubs was “more evidence that Saudi sportswashing has gone into overdrive”.

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“The Saudi strategy on football appears to be to keep ratcheting up the big-name deals to create the momentum for a bid to host the World Cup in 2030,” he said.

“Fifa must apply stringent human rights risk assessments to any Saudi bid for 2030, but we also need to see Fifa, star signings and high-profile managers like Steven Gerrard speaking out about Saudi Arabia’s atrocious human rights record.”

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