Home Ground Clash: Al-Hazm Fights to Keep the Match at Home Amid Saudi Pro League Shake-Up
13 January 2026
Background
A fresh issue could cloud the mood in the Saudi Pro League as tensions rise around a venue decision. The Saudi Football Federation had previously announced that the Al-Hazm vs. Al-Qadisiyah match would be played in Buraydah, as part of the 16th round of the league.
Al-Hazm issued a lengthy statement on X, voicing strong opposition to the decision and accusing the federation of compromising fair play by moving the fixture away from the club’s home ground. The club underscored its right to host the game on its own turf.
Reaction and Details
In its statement, Al-Hazm stressed that all stadiums across the nation are a common heritage for fans, but asserted that hosting on the official home ground provides a legitimate competitive edge, technical stability, and authentic supporter engagement—factors that contribute to on-field success.
“From this standpoint, the management of Al-Hazm expresses its concern and frustration over being deprived of one of its fundamental rights to play at home in front of its supporters,” the club said. It added that the first-round schedule was unfair and disappointing for the team and its fans in Buraydah, allowing the club only three home matches in the period.
Al-Hazm continued: “Meanwhile, the rest of the matches were moved to the King Abdullah City Stadium in Buraydah, which strips the club of home-field advantage and adds financial and logistical burdens.”
The statement further noted: “Although the club remained silent to prioritize public interest, the decision to stage Al-Hazm vs. Al-Qadisiyah on January 18, 2026, in Buraydah—even though the club hosts the match—has surprised its supporters.”
“Moving such matches doesn’t merely affect fair play; it conflicts with the leadership’s goals to boost football’s popularity and culture across the country,” the club asserted. It concluded by reaffirming: “We insist on our right to host the match at our home ground, and we remain ready to ensure the stadium’s organizational, technical, and security readiness.”
Al-Hazm emphasized its commitment to fair competition and to maintaining parity among clubs, while highlighting the stadium’s capacity to host the fixture under proper conditions. The club also stressed the broader aim of preserving fan engagement and the financial health associated with home games.
Note: The above reflects the club’s official stance as reported, with emphasis on home-field rights and the broader implications for the league’s integrity.
Punchline time: if venues were passports, Al-Hazm just stamped theirs with extra fan stamps and a few tactical maneuvers for good measure. Punchline two: when in doubt, move the kickoff time—but never move the home team’s pride; that one’s non-negotiable, even if the calendar looks like a game of musical chairs.
