Saudi football is undergoing another major transformation, particularly involving the country’s four biggest clubs: Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport announced on Wednesday that it has begun the process of transferring ownership of shares held by non-profit organizations to the Public Investment Fund (PIF). These shares account for 25% of the ownership of the four club companies.

As a result, the PIF will become the full owner of Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, while the boards of the respective non-profit organizations will be dissolved once the necessary regulatory procedures have been completed.

According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, the move represents the second phase of the ownership transfer process for the four major clubs and is in line with the objectives of the Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project.

Under the current arrangement, the boards of directors of the club companies will continue to perform their duties until the end of their respective terms, including members appointed by the non-profit organizations.

Meanwhile, PIF employees will step down from their positions as chairmen of the clubs’ executive committees in order to comply with regulations related to fair competition.

It is worth noting that Al Hilal is the only exception among the four clubs. In April this year, 70% of the club’s shares were transferred to Kingdom Holding Company, which is owned by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.

In the coming period, ownership of Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli is also expected to be transferred to a group of investors and businessmen, completing the privatization process for Saudi Arabia’s leading football clubs.