Michael Emenalo To Leave Saudi Pro League Executive Role After Three Years

Former Super Eagles defender Michael Emenalo will leave his position as chief football executive of the Saudi Pro League at the end of his three-year contract, according to The Athletic.

Emenalo, who joined the league in 2023, will also step down as head of the Player Acquisition Center of Excellence (PACE).

During his time with the Saudi Pro League, the former Chelsea technical director played a key role in attracting several high-profile players to Saudi Arabia. He also pushed for a strategy focused on lowering the average age of the league by bringing in younger talent.

The former Nigeria international is understood to be seeking a move closer to his family, with clubs in Europe already showing interest in his services.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Saudi Pro League thanked Emenalo for his contribution.

“The SPL extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to Emenalo for his efforts during his time with the league, and wishes him continued success in his future endeavours,” the statement reads.

Reflecting on his spell in Saudi Arabia, Emenalo described the experience as one defined by ambition and progress.

“When I joined SPL’s transformation journey in 2023, what struck me most was the audacity of its ambition. We set out to do something few believed possible, on a timeline fewer still thought realistic,” Emenalo said.

“During the period since, we have introduced and stewarded the standards and frameworks needed to pursue this audacious ambition seriously.

“This foundation is, to me, the achievement that matters most. There is, of course, still work to be done to develop the league and to grow football across Saudi Arabia; no undertaking of this scale is ever truly finished. But I believe I leave our league on a strong footing, well positioned for continued success.

“On a personal level, it has been a genuine pleasure to immerse myself in Saudi culture, to learn from it, and to experience the excitement of this adventure. I thank everyone who has supported and collaborated with me along the way, in particular the staff of the Saudi Pro League and the members of the football development department, whose excellence, resilience, and dedication were the driving force behind everything we achieved.

“I am equally grateful to the presidents and sporting directors of SPL clubs, with whom I have had the great privilege to work. Their support, for me and for my staff, made our work both better and more impactful. I leave satisfied with the state of the league and with the vast improvement of the football ecosystem we have built together.”