When Rules Change Mid-Season: Nassr Warns of Integrity Risk in the Saudi Pro League
6 November 2025
Registration rules in focus as winter window nears
Al Nassr’s management publicly voiced unsettled feelings about moves by the Saudi Football Federation to change the registration rules for foreign players born under 21.
Before this season, reports suggested some clubs, notably Al-Hilal, sought to align the restrictions so that under-21 foreigners could be registered as if they were older, potentially freeing up a new foreign quota.
Other clubs, including Al Nassr, opposed the proposal, and no changes were adopted before the season began; the debate is resurfacing as the winter transfer window approaches.
League integrity and a call for fair play
In statements on social media, Al Nassr stressed a deep concern about efforts to modify the under-21 foreign-player rules, noting that these attempts did not succeed during the summer transfer period because clubs refused changes at the last minute.
They warned that changes during transfer periods or mid-season threaten the credibility of the competition, undermine fair play, and erode trust in the league’s integrity.
They added that since adopting the under-21 rules, Nassr has followed them and built its recruitment strategy accordingly; clubs that respect the rules should not be punished by rash, reactionary decisions.
Galtier’s view and the upcoming clash
The statement also references comments by Christophe Galtier, head coach of Neom, ahead of the round-eight fixture against Al-Nassr. He described Nassr as a strong and top-class side, likening them to Paris Saint-Germain during his time in France, and noted their seven straight wins.
Galtier praised Nassr’s robust defense and potent attack as the league’s benchmark and said his team would need to be ready for a tough test, with expectations that their opponents would field a strong lineup after fielding non-regulars in a prior match against an Indian side, Goa.
He urged his players to play with joy and high focus, stay compact, press aggressively, and avoid playing timidly. He emphasized that a clear, ambitious game plan and a strong personality are essential to secure a positive result.
Ultimately, the French coach underscored the importance of defending well and maintaining connection among teammates while maintaining a high tempo throughout the match.
Sniper punchline 1: If transfers were a sport, my career would be a highlight reel of offside calls and lunch breaks—always with time to spare for a punchline.
Sniper punchline 2: In football and gossip, the only thing missing is a VAR for common sense—because some things clearly require a review!
