7 October: Saudi banking group Alrajhi Bank has reached an agreement with the AFC to become an official global sponsor of the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League Two and AFC Women’s Champions League until 2029.
The agreement builds on the bank’s existing role as the official regional partner of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
The expansion adds another Saudi string to the AFC bow at a time when the Kingdom is assuming a leading role in Asian football, hosting the Asian Cup for the first time next year. It has already become a regular venue for the AFC’s top club competition, with Jeddah hosting the elite centralized Champions League finals in both 2025 and 2026, with Saudi powerhouse Al Ahli taking out both editions.
Then there’s the big one on the far horizon: the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Alrajhi is one of the largest financial institutions in Saudi Arabia and reported assets of $278 billion at the end of 2025. It is also described as the largest Islamic bank in the world.
Under the deal, Alrajhi will leverage its public-facing opportunities, including official coin launches, a Player Escort Kids program, stadium experiences and digital campaigns at select matches in the competition.
AFC Secretary General Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Alrajhi Bank, now as the official global sponsor of our revamped club competitions. Club football in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing an unprecedented era of success, excitement and growth. By expanding its commitment to our premier club tournaments, Alrajhi Bank is the most passionate position in the world to improve the match experience. fan bases.”
Alrajhi’s move to club competitions comes as the AFC pushes harder to add sponsors around the new competition structure introduced in 2024. Visa extended its deal with the AFC on Monday to cover the elite Champions League, Champions League Two and the Women’s Champions League until 2029.
The AFC Women’s Champions League is now in its third season, while the men’s competitions were reshaped into a new three-tier structure as part of the confederation’s wider attempt to increase the commercial and sporting value of club football in Asia.
Majed Al Rajhi, General Manager of Retail Banking at Alrajhi Bank, said: “We see this partnership as an opportunity to create a different experience for fans, where Alrajhi Bank is present in the moments that bring people together through their passion for football, in a way that reflects the closeness of our brand to our customers and the community.
“Our ambitions extend to enriching the fan experience from the moment they enter the stadium through their engagement with the various digital and on-ground experiences that accompany it. This expanded partnership with the AFC is part of our presence in the Kingdom’s growing sporting landscape, in line with its advanced position to host the region’s most prominent continental and international sporting events.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at (email protected)