Saudi Football Federation files complaint against beIN to FIFA

CAIRO – 18 June 2018: Saudi Arabia Football Federation filed a complaint to Fifa against Qatari owned group, beIN sports, over broadcasting messages against Saudi Arabia and its leaders after Saudi Arabia's 5-0 loss at the opening game of the World Cup.

“beIN abused sports ethics after the game against Russia. Their behavior is part of the ongoing actions aiming to harm Saudi Arabia and its leaders, inciting hatred among people while mixing sports with politics,” the Saudi statement said.

beIN have the exclusive rights to broadcast the World Cup matches in the Arab nation.

Saudi Arabia lost their first game at the World Cup 5-0 to the host nation, Russia, after a poor performance from the Arab nation.

Football pundits at beIN criticized Saudi Arabia's political leaders after the game and mixed what happened on the pitch with the political conflict between Qatar and the Arab nations.

On June 5, 2017, several countries, including Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, severed diplomatic ties with Doha over accusations of backing and funding terrorist groups.