Latest news with #SaudiSuperCup
The Star
a day ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Chelsea's Portugal forward Joao Felix joins Al-Nassr
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Carabao Cup - Round of 16 - Newcastle United v Chelsea - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - October 30, 2024 Chelsea's Joao Felix during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Scott Heppell/File Photo (Reuters) -Portugal forward Joao Felix has joined Al-Nassr from Club World Cup winners Chelsea on a two-year contract, the Saudi Pro League club said on Tuesday. "Let's win together ... Joao Felix is a Nasraoui," Al-Nassr wrote on X, along with a short video of the striker. "I'm here to have fun and win together," the 25-year-old said. Felix moved from Benfica to Atletico Madrid in 2019 when he was only 19 and then joined Chelsea on loan for the 2022-2023 campaign before being loaned to Barcelona the following season. He made a permanent move to Chelsea in August 2024. After just six months, Chelsea loaned the forward to AC Milan before his latest transfer to Saudi Arabia. Felix will play alongside Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, who are coached by compatriot Jorge Jesus. They face Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals on August 19. (Reporting by Ahmad El Ghannam in Cairo; Editing by Ken Ferris)
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Al-Hilal withdraws from 2025 Saudi Super Cup citing fatigue, sparks debate on player welfare
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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo 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.
RTHK
23-07-2025
- Sport
- RTHK
Al-Ahli to replace Al-Hilal in HK Saudi Super Cup
Al-Ahli to replace Al-Hilal in HK Saudi Super Cup SAFF confirms that Al-Ahli, who finished fifth in the league this season, will take Al-Hilal's place in the Saudi Super Cup tournament in Hong Kong. File photo: AFP The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced on Wednesday that Al-Ahli will replace Al-Hilal in next month's Saudi Super Cup tournament in Hong Kong. This decision follows Al-Hilal's withdrawal announcement on Monday. The Saudi Pro League runners-up stated they would not send their team, citing contractual obligations concerning player annual leave and the need to safeguard player health. SAFF confirmed that Al-Ahli, who finished fifth in the league this season, will take Al-Hilal's place in the competition. The Saudi Super Cup will feature three matches held at Hong Kong Stadium. Al-Nassr will face Al-Ittihad on August 19, followed by Al-Qadsiah against the replacement team, Al-Ahli, the next day. The tournament concludes on August 23. Tournament organisers said fans who are holding tickets for the match originally scheduled between Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hilal can choose to retain their tickets for the rescheduled fixture featuring Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ahli, or request a full refund.
Ammon
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Ammon
Al-Ahli step in for Saudi Super Cup after Al-Hilal's withdrawal
Ammon News - Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli confirmed on Tuesday it will compete in the 2025–26 Saudi Super Cup, replacing Al-Hilal who withdrew citing player fatigue following their Club World Cup campaign. Al-Hilal, who reached the knockout stages of the Club World Cup and defeated Manchester City in the last 16 before losing to Fluminense in the quarter-finals on July 4, announced their decision on Monday, referencing scheduling concerns. Al-Ahli, who finished fifth in the recent Saudi Pro League season, said in a statement on X: "We received an official letter from the Saudi Football Federation to participate in the Saudi Super Cup for the 2025–2026 season, scheduled to be held in Hong Kong from August 19–23, based on the competition's regulations. "After a comprehensive study of all aspects, we decided to agree to participate in the tournament in line with the team's goals and preparation plan for the new season," the statement added. The Saudi Super Cup precedes the league campaign, which begins in late August. Reuters
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mahrez unveils Al-Ahli's new kit (Photos)
Al-Ahli reveals its 2025-2026 kit with Mahrez as the star attraction Al-Ahli / @ Saudi club Al-Ahli has unveiled its new kit for the 2025-2026 season, sharing a photo album on its official account on the (X) platform. Mahrez unveils Al-Ahli's new kit for the 2025-2026 season Algerian international Riyad Mahrez was one of the main club figures featured in this presentation. The kit has sparked major excitement among "Al Raki" fans, as the club gears up to compete in the Saudi Super Cup, stepping in for Al-Hilal, who withdrew to protect the fitness of their players. A key figure for Al-Ahli, Mahrez played 45 matches across all competitions last season, netting 17 goals and providing 21 assists. Meanwhile, the team is currently holding a training camp in Italy in preparation for the Como Cup, a friendly tournament bringing together several renowned European clubs, including Ajax Amsterdam, Celtic Glasgow, and Italian side Como.
