Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Al Hilal Football Club Company has officially decided that the first football team will not participate in the 2025/2026 edition of the Saudi Super Cup.

This decision was conveyed through a formal letter sent to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), in which the club outlined the exceptional circumstances that led to its withdrawal from the tournament.

The club explained that the Saudi Super Cup draw, held on June 19, 2025, came just one day after Al Hilal’s opening group-stage match at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States against Real Madrid.

The Saudi representative advanced honorably to the Round of 16 and Quarterfinals, the latter held on July 4.

Following that match, the team remained in Orlando for three additional days due to travel constraints—effectively limiting the players’ off-season to just 24 days if the club withdrew from the Super Cup, or 21 days if it participated.

This situation, the club stressed, violates clause (5.6) of the mandatory contract annexes under SAFF’s Professionalism and Player Status Regulations, which guarantees players a minimum of 28 days of annual leave.

The clause is also embedded in all professional contracts signed with Al Hilal’s first-team players.

The letter also highlighted that these exceptional circumstances resulted in the players' annual leave overlapping with the pre-season periods of other clubs, putting Al Hilal at a competitive disadvantage.

The club has yet to commence its pre-season preparations—delayed due to the extended season and limited recovery time.

Moreover, the domestic competition calendar issued by SAFF on June 1 made no mention of the Super Cup being hosted in Hong Kong.

The location was only announced on June 13, after the team had already departed for the U.S., and before any Club World Cup matches had been played. At the time, the duration of their international campaign remained uncertain.

Al Hilal emphasized its pride in the Super Cup, a tournament it has won on multiple occasions.

However, the club noted that a physical and muscular assessment of several players showed signs of extreme fatigue after a year-long campaign, compounded by national team duty and participation in the Club World Cup.

The decision not to participate, it said, serves both the club’s long-term interests and those of the Saudi national team, which is set to begin a crucial training camp in October ahead of World Cup qualification playoffs—featuring many Al Hilal players.

The club called on SAFF to explore alternative solutions that would allow the tournament to proceed as planned in Hong Kong without its participation, and ensure the event achieves its intended marketing and promotional objectives.

Al Hilal stressed that its decision stems from a need to preserve player health following an intensive season representing the Kingdom on the global stage.

SAFF confirmed receipt of Al Hilal’s decision and stated that it will initiate the necessary procedures under the relevant regulations.

The federation added that the matter will be reviewed by the competent committees in accordance with the organizational rules of the Saudi Super Cup.

Sources said that the federation is now considering inviting Al Ahli to replace Al Hilal, pending confirmation of the club’s readiness. A final decision is expected soon.

SAFF also dismissed the idea of granting Al Qadsiah automatic passage to the final, citing Article 8 of the Super Cup regulations, which treats post-draw withdrawals as violations. Such cases are referred to the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, with fines of up to SR500,000 and compensation for damages potentially imposed.