RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced on Friday the departure of Monika Staab, its technical director of women’s football, after more than three years with the organization.

She was credited with transforming the women’s game in the Kingdom during her tenure and for inspiring a new generation of players to take up the sport.

Staab, a former player from Germany, joined the federation in August 2021, initially as the first head coach of the Saudi women’s national team. The federation said her leadership and vision played a pivotal role in shaping its strategy for women’s football, driving growth both on and off the pitch. She was appointed technical director in February 2023.

She coached the women’s national team in their first-ever match, a landmark 2-0 victory over the Seychelles in February 2022. Under her guidance, the Kingdom launched its first regional league for women in 2021, followed by a national football championship in 2022.

Staab also spearheaded the introduction of under-17 and under-20 women’s national teams, laying the foundations for the development of future talent.

In March 2023, she helped the Saudi women’s national team secure its first-ever FIFA ranking, and this month they reached their highest-ever position, climbing eight places to 166th. The team is now about to begin its campaign to qualify for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Staab leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of milestones that have shaped women’s football in Saudi Arabia, the federation said.

“We bid farewell to Monika and thank her for helping to transform women’s football across Saudi Arabia,” said Lamia Bahaian, the organization’s vice president, as she expressed her deep gratitude for Staab’s contributions.

“Her vision, passion and tenacity have inspired us all. There are young girls across Saudi Arabia now playing football at all levels thanks to the work she has done and the impact she’s had.

“Although her time with SAFF has drawn to a close, her legacy will continue for generations.”

Bayan Sadagah, the captain of the women’s national team, said: “Monika has inspired both myself and all my teammates to believe in ourselves and our team. Our journey as a team is inspiring so many girls across the country to play and follow football, and I know we all wish her the very best for the future.”

The federation said women’s football has become a cornerstone of its strategy to grow the sport at all levels and participation has surged, with more than 70,000 schoolgirls playing football across the country.

RIYADH: Tyson Fury weighed in at the heaviest of his career on Friday as he vowed to go to war with Oleksandr Usyk in their world title rematch.
The Englishman, albeit fully clothed, tipped the scales at 281 pounds (127.4kg) — 19lb heavier than when he lost to the Ukrainian in their unification bout in May.
Usyk, also dressed against the winter chill at Riyadh’s Wonder Garden amusement park, weighed 226lb, 2.5lb heavier than seven months ago.
Fury’s added weight shows he’s out to physically dominate the smaller Usyk on Saturday. He offered only one word — “war” — to the interviewer as he left the stage.
“When a 20 stone (280lb) man hits you on the jaw, compared to a man at 17 stone, it’s a bit different,” Fury told Sky Sports earlier.
The 36-year-old “Gypsy King” desperately needs the win to erase his sole career defeat at the hands of the mobile, elusive Usyk in Riyadh in May.
The first unification bout of the four-belt era was decided by a narrow split-decision, although Fury was saved by the bell after a standing eight count in the ninth round.
Only three belts — IBO, WBC and WBO — are up for grabs after Usyk vacated the IBF title to focus on the rematch, instead of facing mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois.
The Ukrainian has already amassed one of the great boxing careers after winning Olympic gold and becoming undisputed cruiserweight champion before stepping up to heavyweight.
A low-key build-up ignited on Thursday when the two fighters faced off for a marathon 11 minutes at their press conference, despite attempts to separate them.
On Friday, they faced each other for just a few seconds before parting.
Usyk, 37, comes in undefeated at 22-0 with 14 knock-outs, while 6ft 9ins (206cm) Fury, the taller man by six inches (15cm), is 34-1-1 with 24 KOs.
Victory for Usyk — briefly a soldier after the Russian invasion — would be a fillip for his embattled country after nearly three years of war with its giant neighbor.
Saturday’s fight is just the latest high-profile sports event bankrolled by oil money in Saudi Arabia, confirmed this month as host of the 2034 football World Cup.
Formula One, LIV Golf, top tennis and a parade of senior football stars are among the recent acquisitions as the world’s top oil exporter tries to diversify its crude-reliant economy and update its ultra-conservative image.
Earlier, according to reports, there was good news for Fury when the pre-fight rules meeting decided he would not have to shave off his bushy beard, despite concerns from Usyk’s team that it could cushion punches.
“He has a beard and there’s been a lot of fighters over the years who’ve fought with beards, and that’s it,” promoter Frank Warren told Sky Sports.