Welshpool businessman issues warning over Saudi football league

The Welshpool owner of The New Saints of Oswestry Town Football Club (TNS) has warned football clubs not to deal with Saudi Arabia after failing to receive the $250,000 agreed for their star striker.

Brad Young’s mega bucks transfer to Al-Orobah FC in the Saudi Pro League shocked the football community and smashed the transfer record paid for a JD Cymru Premier player.

The 22-year-old caught the eye of a number of clubs following a brilliant season with TNS, but he opted for the Middle East in September and has chalked up nine appearances since.

But Mike Harris, who owns TNS, claims to have not received a penny of the agreed fee, which is close to £200,000 when the currency is converted.

He has now asked FIFA, the sport’s governing body, to intervene.

“We would strongly advise any clubs who are considering entering into negotiations with clubs in the Saudi Pro League to think twice before they do so,” said Mr Harris.

“When agreements are made, you would expect them to be honoured, and twice we have been promised money that we haven’t received despite numerous requests to do so.”

Following an appeal to the FIFA Players’ Status Chamber regarding the outstanding transfer fee owed for Brad Young, Al-Orobah FC were given 45 days to pay the first instalment of $150K plus 5% interest to TNS.

Consequently, the second instalment of the transfer fee, which was due on January 1, 2025, also wasn’t paid to the club.

The club has now lodged a further claim with FIFA regarding the second sum of $100K which is currently being considered by the FIFA Football Tribunal.

FIFA General Secretary, Mattias Grafström, has proposed that the second instalment of the transfer fee is paid within a 45-day period of February 21, 2025.