Saudi Arabia launches first-ever women’s football league

The Saudi football federation has announced the launching of the first edition of a women’s football league at the end of this month.

The launch of the league is a part of a programme set up by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation in 2017 to support women’s football as women’s sport was long frowned upon in the country.

Federation chairman Yasser Almisehal said the creation of a women’s league was “an important moment” for the federation.

Sixteen teams will take part and the matches will take place in three cities — the capital Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

Those who qualify will be able to play in a knockout competition which will be held early next year in Jeddah.