Saudi Pro League chief Saad Allazeez has insisted "no one is to blame" for Jordan Henderson's short-lived stint at Al-Ettifaq.
The England international made the controversial move to Saudi Arabia last summer, signing a three-year deal worth a reported £700,000-a-week. However, Henderson has now quit Al-Ettifaq after just six months to join Dutch giants Ajax.
The move saw Al-Ettifaq terminate Henderson's contract and Allazeez, the Saudi Pro League's vice-chairman and interim chief executive, said he was "pleased the club acted fast ... to protect their own interests".
Allazeez also insisted the league has "never been in a stronger position" and that they "expect more good players" to make the jump in the future. "This is all just part of football, all across the world and life, across all careers," he said.
"Sometimes despite best efforts people don't always adjust or settle and that can impact performances and lead to frustrations for all. Jordan is a good guy and it's a shame that things didn't work out for him, but he'd be the first to admit that full support was given to him and respect shown.
"So everyone tried and no one is to blame. I'm pleased the club acted fast as they have to protect their own interests as well as the player and this instance, this is all for the best. Since their financial conditions for cancelling the contract were agreed, they can now make full use of the winter break and transfer window to reset and go again.
"And as a league, we have the strength and depth to move forward. In fact, despite it being early days under our new strategy we have never been in a stronger position. So far in only five months, we've had more goals so become more entertaining, with more fans attending matches and watching in over 160 countries worldwide.
"We've become a younger league, more international and more attractive with commercial revenue up over 650% and new global partners. So, everything is trending in the right direction.
"Looking ahead we are very positive and expect more good players to come in. But, of course, some will move on too. That comes with being a top league, especially when you consider squads are capped.
"So, we'd expect the flow of talent to go both ways. But overall, we are very happy at the progress and growth in just half a season. Firm foundations have been laid for future strength."