Inter first international club to get Saudi Arabia commercial licence | OneFootball

Inter have become the first international football club to be granted a commercial licence to operate in Saudi Arabia, hoping to expand their fanbase and set up local academies.

While the Saudi Pro League is attempting to grow with numerous top players and coaches brought in, the most recent being ex-Milan boss Stefano Pioli, it is not so easy for foreign teams to operate there.

Several big events are staged in Saudi Arabia, including the Supercoppa Italiana, Spanish Super Cup and what will be the 2030 World Cup.

Historic Saudi Arabia move for Inter finances

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 19: A general view of the inside of the stadium as fans form a TIFO prior to the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 19, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Nerazzurri are taking things a step further and have become the first international football club to be granted a commercial MISA licence from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Investment.

A statement from the club notes this should help extend its brand presence in the Middle East and grow the fanbase, while bringing its “expertise, values and experience as a top-level football club” to the country.

“Through strategic partnerships, the Nerazzurri will champion Italian values, tradition and style beyond sport.”

This will include the opening of several Inter Academies across Saudi Arabia.

The commercial licence was announced today during a ceremony in Riyadh attended by vice president Javier Zanetti, CEO Corporate Alessandro Antonello and Chief Revenue Officer Luca Danovaro.