‘Oil money is astonishing’: Saudi giants Al Hilal hire former Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes

Saudi Arabia’s football power is moving beyond high-profile players and into the boardroom. Al Hilal has appointed Richard Hughes, who recently left Liverpool, as its new sporting director.

The Saudi club announced the appointment on its official channel on the 7th, presenting Hughes as part of a global leadership group assembled to manage its sporting operations.

The appointment signals Al Hilal’s effort to import expertise not only onto the pitch, but also into the administration of the club. The source frames the move as another example of the influence generated by Saudi Arabia’s oil wealth, now reaching sporting executives as well as players.