Why Al-Ahli Escaped a Points Deduction: A Legal Breakdown

Context

A legal expert has explained why the disciplinary committee of the Saudi Football Federation declined to treat Al-Ahli as the loser in their Roshen Saudi Pro League match against Al-Qadsiah.

Ruling and timing

Al-Ahli won 2-1 last week at Al-Enma Stadium in the ninth round of the Roshen Pro League. Al-Qadsiah filed a complaint seeking the match points due to Al-Ahli changing its squad list before kickoff; the disciplinary committee rejected the request.

Yaqub Al-Mutair, a legal expert, told TV on Wednesday that the ruling means Al-Ahli altered its lineup within the legally permitted time before kickoff. According to the decision, the committee contacted both the Pro League and the match observer, indicating Al-Ahli informed the authorities within the official window. If Al-Ahli contacted within the time window, there is no fault; if after, the club would face sanctions; the report says Al-Ahli acted within the correct time.

What the expert says and the outlook

Regarding an appeal by Al-Qadsiah, the decision could be subject to appeal and might reach the Saudi Arbitration Center, potentially prolonging the case into the second half of the season. The win lifted Al-Ahli to fourth place with 19 points, two behind the top spots. Later, Al-Ahli eliminated Al-Qadsiah from the King’s Cup quarterfinals, confirming their rising form.

Punchline 1: If timing were a sport, Al-Ahli just scored a calendar goal—clean, timely, and somehow paper-saving.

Punchline 2: And if this league runs on deadlines, Al-Ahli just filed theirs on time—call it the only club that finishes paperwork before the whistle.