Saudi giants Al-Hilal were hit with a hefty fine and suspension following their withdrawal from the 2025/2026 Saudi Super Cup, the Disciplinary Committee of the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) announced on Tuesday.
The reigning champions decided to withdraw from the upcoming Saudi Super Cup due to the exhaustion of their players, following their recent participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals under the management of Italian tactician Simone Inzaghi. This demanding schedule left the players in need of rest, prompting the club to prioritize their health and performance.
In response to Al-Hilal’s withdrawal, the Disciplinary Committee imposed a fine of SAR 500,000 on the Riyadh-based side, that will be paid to the Saudi Football Federation. Additionally, Al-Hilal were suspended from participating in the next edition of the Saudi Super Cup, further emphasizing the consequences of their decision.
Upcoming Super Cup Details
The Saudi Super Cup will take place in Hong Kong from 19 to 23 August, featuring four teams, with Al-Ahli replacing Al-Hilal and will face Al-Qadsiah in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr will compete against Al-Ittihad in the other semi-final match.
The disciplinary ruling establishes a critical precedent for future competition participation requirements across Saudi football leagues. However, player welfare advocates argue the punishment fails to address systemic fixture congestion plaguing top clubs. Additionally, the situation highlights growing tensions between domestic obligations and international tournament commitments. As a result, football analysts predict increased scrutiny of competition scheduling practices moving forward. Ultimately, this incident may accelerate reforms to protect athlete health while maintaining competitive integrity in Saudi football.
