Al Ahli Replace Al Hilal at Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong
Al Ahli agreed to participate in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup, taking over for Al Hilal due to player fatigue and scheduling conflicts.
The 2025 Saudi Super Cup will see an adjustment in its lineup following Al Hilal's withdrawal.
The tournament, set to take place in Hong Kong from August 19–23, has seen Al Ahli step in to replace the initially scheduled participants.
This move will see Al Ahli face Al Qadsiah in the semifinal on August 20, while the other semifinal will pit Al Nassr against Al Ittihad.The decision by Al Hilal to withdraw was made after careful consideration of their players' well-being and the logistical challenges that arose due to scheduling conflicts.
The club's participation in the Club World Cup campaign left their players with insufficient rest time, violating the 28-day annual leave stipulated in their contracts under Saudi Football Federation guidelines.
Additionally, the announcement of Hong Kong as the venue came after the team had already departed for the United States, adding further complexity to their scheduling dilemmas.Al Hilal, who secured their spot in the Super Cup as runners-up in the Saudi Pro League, expressed pride in their past successes but emphasized that withdrawing from the tournament was made with the best interests of both their players and the national team.
This decision becomes especially crucial with the upcoming October World Cup qualification playoff on the horizon.Al Ahli's participation in the Super Cup is seen as an opportunity for the club to sharpen its squad ahead of the new season, under the guidance of their German manager Matthias Jaissle.
The Saudi Football Federation confirmed Al Hilal's withdrawal and stated that they will proceed with necessary measures in accordance with tournament rules.The inclusion of Al Ahli ensures that the four-team format of the tournament remains intact, maintaining its significance as a key fixture ahead of the 2025–26 domestic season.
This development showcases the adaptability and commitment to ensuring the success of the event despite unforeseen circumstances.
The tournament, set to take place in Hong Kong from August 19–23, has seen Al Ahli step in to replace the initially scheduled participants.
This move will see Al Ahli face Al Qadsiah in the semifinal on August 20, while the other semifinal will pit Al Nassr against Al Ittihad.The decision by Al Hilal to withdraw was made after careful consideration of their players' well-being and the logistical challenges that arose due to scheduling conflicts.
The club's participation in the Club World Cup campaign left their players with insufficient rest time, violating the 28-day annual leave stipulated in their contracts under Saudi Football Federation guidelines.
Additionally, the announcement of Hong Kong as the venue came after the team had already departed for the United States, adding further complexity to their scheduling dilemmas.Al Hilal, who secured their spot in the Super Cup as runners-up in the Saudi Pro League, expressed pride in their past successes but emphasized that withdrawing from the tournament was made with the best interests of both their players and the national team.
This decision becomes especially crucial with the upcoming October World Cup qualification playoff on the horizon.Al Ahli's participation in the Super Cup is seen as an opportunity for the club to sharpen its squad ahead of the new season, under the guidance of their German manager Matthias Jaissle.
The Saudi Football Federation confirmed Al Hilal's withdrawal and stated that they will proceed with necessary measures in accordance with tournament rules.The inclusion of Al Ahli ensures that the four-team format of the tournament remains intact, maintaining its significance as a key fixture ahead of the 2025–26 domestic season.
This development showcases the adaptability and commitment to ensuring the success of the event despite unforeseen circumstances.
