Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 4 March 2024: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has officially unveiled SAFF+, an AI-assisted multi-purpose digital platform that will air all local competition matches that do not have exclusive broadcast rights. SAFF+ will immediately begin streaming matches on a trial basis through its dedicated website, with the smartphone application set to be launched next week.
SAFF+ will initially broadcast live coverage of 15 competitions held across 62 stadiums – with plans in place for gradual increases over time. Utilising cloud broadcasting technology alongside the high-quality multi-angle cameras fitted within stadiums, SAFF+ will deliver comprehensive coverage with a Riyadh-based broadcast centre overseeing and managing production aspects.
Yasser Al Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, said: “The launch of SAFF+ is the realisation 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, SAFF has revealed that the platform will also become home to an extensive player database 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 endeavours – leveraging reliable digital data to identify in-form players and promising talent, as well as support their development.
SAFF+ is the latest embodiment of SAFF’s long-term, football transformation strategy, launched in 2021 to help elevate Saudi Arabia to elite status in world football with an emphasis on seven key pillars.
The platform is expected to make vital contributions towards the strategy’s technology pillar – which aims to harness innovative technological solutions across performance, talent identification, and player pathways.
Additionally, the platform will feature digital content related to all SAFF activities and events, serving as an influential digital hub where fans can keep updated on the latest Saudi football news and enjoy behind-the-scenes access through diverse content.