Saudi Football Federation Breaks Silence on Super Cup Controversy
7 January 2026
Background
The Saudi Football Federation commented on the ruling issued by the Saudi Sports Arbitration Center regarding the crisis surrounding the Saudi Super Cup, the title of which was claimed by Al Ahli.
Al Ahli Jeddah defeated its rival Al Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup final held on August 23, after taking part instead of Al Hilal, who declined to participate citing a tight schedule ahead of the new season.
In its official statement, the federation pledged full compliance with all executive steps necessary to apply the decisions from the arbitration center.
Key Consequences
It also noted its ongoing commitment to uphold final decisions and to adhere to the highest standards of governance and transparency, reinforcing the justice system and sports judiciary in Saudi Arabia.
The arbitration body had unanimously overturned the August decision, finding a violation by Al Hilal following the withdrawal.
The ruling bars Al Hilal from participating in the next edition of the Saudi Super Cup for 2026-27, bars them from any prize money for the 2025-26 season, and imposes a 500,000-riyals fine, with half of the registration fees, administrative costs and arbitration costs (46,400 riyals) borne by Al Hilal, and the other half by the federation.
Additionally, the final award rejected other requests, underscoring that this decision is final and binding on all parties and not subject to appeal to any internal or external body.
Punchline 1: If this ruling were a goal, it would be a 95th‑minute stunning finish.
Punchline 2: And the whistle? It took a vacation after all this drama—governance, drama, and a bit of football flair all in one season.
