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Salisbury FC's Kuwait Connection Explained

BBC Sport Football •
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Sixth-tier Salisbury FC players embraced fans after a 2-0 win against Folkestone Invicta, hearing a Kuwait-themed chant ahead of a Middle East trip. Within 24 hours, the squad prepared to face Al Qadsia, a Kuwaiti club with over 50 trophies, then play Dulwich Hamlet in the FA Cup. The journey stems from owner Ali Alhamad’s 2025 purchase, aiming for commercial growth and cultural exchange.

Player Luke Russe called it a unique opportunity, emphasizing experience over results. The Mohammad Al-Hamad Stadium holds 22,000, over five times Salisbury’s Mac Stadium capacity. Four Kuwaiti sponsors back the club, including a Sharia-compliant digital bank and an Acai brand.

Salisbury’s Arabic Instagram has 14,000 followers, nearly matching its English account. Alhamad stated Salisbury is 'bigger than many Premier League teams' in Kuwait, stressing community impact over size. The full squad, minus Jaiden Bartolo on international duty, committed to the trip within an hour.

Activities include school visits, Q&A sessions, and a summer camp trial. The club retains all ticket and ad revenue from Kuwait events, using the trip to grow financially and strengthen youth football development in the region.