Al-Ittihad Keeps CEO Suarez as Fans Demand Overhaul

Despite a season without silverware, Al-Ittihad's management is moving to keep Portuguese executive Domingos Suarez as CEO for another year. The decision, revealed by Saudi journalist Majed Houd, runs counter to widespread expectations that Suarez would be dismissed alongside other top officials.

The Jeddah-based club exited the Saudi Super Cup and the King's Cup at the semi-final stage, and was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite. In the domestic league, the team's remaining ambition is limited to securing fifth place in the standings.

Earlier reports indicated the club is preparing to terminate the contract of Portuguese head coach Sergio Conceicao at the end of the season, and is also seeking to part ways with sporting director Ramon Planes. These moves place Suarez in a markedly different position from his Portuguese compatriots, with his future appearing far more stable.

Candidates for the Vacant Post

With Planes' departure approaching, several names have emerged as potential successors for the sporting director role. Among the candidates are Max Eberl, currently holding the same position at Bayern Munich, and Mehdi Benatia, who serves in the same capacity at Olympique Marseille.

Suarez took up his duties at Al-Ittihad in September 2023. While his first season was disappointing, the second campaign saw a historic achievement: the club won the domestic double for the first time in the professional era. That success may explain the management's decision to retain him.