Al-Hilal withdraws from 2025 Saudi Super Cup citing fatigue, sparks debate on player welfare

Time of India

21 hours ago

Al‑Hilal will not participate in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong/Image: Instagram
TL;DR:
Al‑Hilal will not participate in the
2025 Saudi Super Cup
in Hong Kong due to severe
player fatigue
and leave shortfall.
Flight delays and
Club World Cup
travel reduced annual leave to 21‑24 days, breaching
SAFF
's minimum 28‑day requirement.
Medical reviews confirmed 'extreme fatigue' after more than a year of back-to-back competition.
SAFF may impose fines up to SAR 500,000 and appoint Al‑Ahli as replacement.
The move underscores prioritizing player health and contract compliance over participation in exhibition tournaments.
Saudi football powerhouse Al-Hilal has officially pulled out of the 2025 Saudi Super Cup, citing player exhaustion following a tightly packed season and insufficient rest time after their Club World Cup appearance in the United States.
The club notified the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) that participation would breach player leave entitlements and health protocols, making them unfit for additional competition.
Club Statement and Reasoning
In a formal communication to SAFF, Al-Hilal laid out a detailed explanation for its decision. The club argued that its players had just concluded a strenuous international campaign at the FIFA Club World Cup, and were entitled to a minimum of 28 days of annual leave, as mandated under SAFF's Professionalism and Player Status Regulations.
However, due to scheduling and travel complications, the players would only receive 21 days of rest if they went ahead with the Super Cup.
The club's medical staff also issued warnings over widespread physical fatigue among key players, following nearly 12 months of uninterrupted domestic and international competition. Citing player safety and long-term performance, Al-Hilal decided that withdrawing was in the best interest of both its players and Saudi football.
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Why Was This Decision Made Now?
The tipping point came with overlapping schedules. The Super Cup draw took place on June 19, just a day after Al-Hilal began its Club World Cup campaign. Following their elimination on July 4, players were delayed an extra three days in the US due to limited flights. This narrowed the rest period significantly.
Further complicating matters, the final Super Cup venue, Hong Kong, was confirmed only on June 13, which gave clubs minimal preparation time and forced logistical adjustments mid-season.
Who Is Al-Hilal?
Al-Hilal SFC, based in Riyadh, is not just any football club. With a history spanning over six decades, it is one of the most decorated clubs in Asia:
Five-time Saudi Super Cup champions (as of 2024)
19 Saudi Pro League titles
Multiple AFC Champions League victories
A consistent contributor to Saudi Arabia's national team player pool
Known for its deep fanbase and star-studded squad, Al-Hilal is the Gulf's flagship football brand, having recently signed global icons and competed against teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City on the world stage.
SAFF Response and Rule Violation
SAFF acknowledged Al-Hilal's official withdrawal and stated that it would address the matter under the existing disciplinary framework.
According to Article 8 of the Saudi Super Cup Regulations, any team pulling out after the tournament draw may face fines up to SAR 500,000 and exclusion from the next edition.
The federation is now exploring alternatives, with reports suggesting that Al-Ahli could step in to replace Al-Hilal, provided they meet readiness requirements.
Why It Matters
Player Welfare at the Forefront
This move marks a rare but growing trend among top-tier clubs: putting player health above short-term trophies.
With global football becoming more congested, Al-Hilal's stance could influence scheduling reforms in the region.
A Blow to Tournament Prestige
Al-Hilal's exit removes one of the biggest draws from the Saudi Super Cup, potentially affecting ticket sales, broadcast value, and the event's international appeal.
National Team Priorities
The Saudi national team has World Cup qualifiers lined up later this year. Many of Al-Hilal's players are central to coach Roberto Mancini's plans, and this break gives them time to recover before crucial matches.
Club vs. Federation Tensions?
The decision also hints at ongoing friction between clubs and organizers regarding player welfare, calendar planning, and communication transparency.
Al-Hilal's withdrawal from the Saudi Super Cup is more than a scheduling clash, it's a bold statement on how Gulf football is evolving. With elite clubs now balancing commercial obligations against player burnout, this episode may prompt serious introspection within SAFF and beyond. The coming weeks will reveal whether this sparks meaningful change, or if the weight of tradition and tournament prestige overrides concerns of fatigue and fairness.