Adnan Jastania

Al-Ittihad Fans Cry Out: Where is Dad?

July 25, 2026 - 00:02 | Last Updated: July 25, 2026 - 00:02

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Can a father be unjust to one of his children? Meaning, can he treat them differently, favoring one over the other? The answer is: yes. There are many examples of this, preserved by history through stories that have extended from the dawn of humanity to this day. In our present age, these tales are no longer just narratives; they have become issues that courts address, and complaints arise among siblings from the same father, due to one of them feeling that he has not received the same justice and fairness as the others.

- I was compelled to provide this introduction as a prelude to delivering a message to those who voluntarily find themselves in the position of that father who is accused of not treating his children equally, or at least making one of them feel that he is less fortunate than his siblings. That son does not ask for more than to be treated as his brothers were, hoping that the father's conscience will awaken, granting him the attention and fairness he deserves.

- This is how I see the situation of Al-Ittihad today. The fans of Al-Ittihad are appealing to the owner who owns four clubs, demanding that their club receives the same share of attention and support. They see other clubs belonging to the same owner receiving deals and support that seem more prominent, while their club faced difficult circumstances last season, and the current outlook is still not very promising.

- These fans have found no better way to express themselves than to raise their voices on social media, echoing a sarcastic and painful question at the same time: "Where is Dad?"

The question is well-known to whom it is directed. It is addressed to the owner of the four club companies: Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli. One cannot blame these fans as they see the management of their club company unable to secure major deals that match what competing clubs are doing, even though they all belong to the same system, and they do not see any clear indicators that inspire optimism, or even anyone to answer the question: "Where is Dad?"

It seems that "Dad" is not responding!

- This is not the first time; this silence has recurred in previous seasons, to the point that it has become a source of confusion. As for the reason, no one knows for sure. Perhaps the father has reasons to justify his silence, or reasons that lead him to wait for a change in management that many expected to leave, but it remained, so he chose to wait until a new management takes over the club's responsibilities.

- However, this excuse does not find acceptance among the Al-Ittihad fans; they see that the real victim is their club, while everyone else is content to watch. Even the rescue attempts, which used to come from Al-Ittihad fans or some of its prominent figures and honorary members, are no longer as they were, as if frustration and despair have imposed a state of resignation to a reality that no one wants to change.

All that remains for the fans is to continue echoing their sarcastic call: "Where is Dad?"

- Perhaps the voice will reach.. and perhaps the answer will come, not in words, but in decisions. Quick decisions that restore balance to Al-Ittihad and lift it from its crises, bringing it back to its rightful place among the giants, as its fans have known it, and as befits the history of this prestigious club.

Finally.. If the father is present and does not hear, the calamity is great.. And if he hears and does not answer, the calamity is even greater.