Vissel Kobe coach Michael Skibbe believes Japanese football clubs cannot match the financial power of Saudi Arabian counterparts, citing his team's elimination from the Asian Champions League Elite. Al-Ahli's expensively assembled squad overcame Kobe in the semi-finals, with goals from Galeno and Ivan Toney securing their victory.
Skibbe attributed the gap in quality to significant investment from Saudi leagues, which attract top European and South American talent. He noted that Japanese teams often lose their best players to European leagues. "It's not possible to be as powerful as the teams in Saudi Arabia. The more powerful team this evening has won," Skibbe stated.
The shift in football's balance of power accelerated in 2023 when Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund acquired four leading clubs, leading to major signings like Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez.
Despite substantial investment, Al-Ahli was the sole Saudi team in this season's semi-finals. They are now aiming for consecutive Asian Champions League Elite titles.