Saudi Arabian Football Federation launches platform to broadcast local competition matches across the Kingdom

• SAFF+ will initially deliver coverage of 15 men’s and women’s competitions utilizing cloud broadcast technology and cameras in 62 stadiums
• Platform also set to house player database to support clubs, coaches, scouts and national youth teams with talent technical analysis

RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has unveiled SAFF+, an AI-assisted multi-purpose digital platform that will air all local competition matches that do not have exclusive broadcast rights.

The SAFF+ platform will begin streaming matches on a trial basis through its dedicated website, with a smartphone application set to be launched next week, the federation said in a release on Monday.

The platform will initially broadcast live coverage of 15 competitions held across 62 stadiums, with more to follow. Utilizing cloud broadcasting technology alongside the high-quality multi-angle cameras fitted in stadiums, SAFF+ will deliver coverage with a Riyadh-based broadcast center overseeing and managing production.

Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, said: “The launch of SAFF+ is the realization of a dream to help take Saudi football to the next level and provide fans with instantaneous access to matches being held throughout the Kingdom. By embracing digital transformation and technology integration, we’re excited to enhance fan access to various levels of our national football ecosystem while simultaneously delivering benefits to clubs, coaches, scouts, and our national youth team set-ups through this innovative digital-first platform.”

Besides broadcasting a wide range of men’s and women’s matches across Saudi Arabia, the SAFF has revealed that the platform will also become home to an extensive player database. This is for clubs and national youth teams to access player statistics and data for technical analysis and performance evaluation. Furthermore, this feature is intended to assist coaches and scouts in their talent discovery endeavors.

The new channel is the latest step in the SAFF’s long-term, football transformation strategy, launched in 2021 to help elevate Saudi Arabia to elite status in world football.

The platform will also feature digital content related to the federation’s activities and events, serving as a hub where fans can keep updated on the country’s latest football news, and access behind-the-scenes content.