New Escalation: Al Ahli Files Official Protest Over Refereeing in Roshn Saudi Pro League Clash
10 November 2025
Context and Formal Complaint
Al Ahli submitted a formal protest to the Saudi referees committee regarding officiating in the Roshn Saudi Pro League clash with Al Riyadh, held last Thursday.
The club contends that the Slovenian referee Radi Obrenovic made influential errors that altered the course and result of the match in the seventh round of the league.
The letter from the club details several officiating incidents across prior rounds, requesting that top-tier foreign referees be appointed for upcoming games, citing substantial financial investments in hiring high-level international officials and a reluctance to pay again for referees not meeting the team’s standards.
The Saudi press noted that the referees committee was set to convene on November 16-17 to review all contentious decisions in Roshn Saudi Pro League matches, including the Al Ahli–Al Riyadh game, the red card for a Union midfielder and a penalty call involving a top-tier club in the same week’s schedule.
Public outrage followed the match, with Al Ahli fans directing strong criticism at the on-field official as they left the stadium in the wake of the game.
Some experts were quoted in local media suggesting the decision to award a late penalty to Al Ahli was debatable, while others supported the official’s call, highlighting a touch of controversy in the decision-making process.
Managerial decisions and squad changes
Meanwhile, Al Ahli’s manager Matías Jaissle reportedly made swift adjustments after the Derby win over their cross-town rivals, focusing on rest and preparation ahead of the international break.
The club’s media outlets indicated Jaissle had not yet finalized plans for a training camp during the pause, as the league takes a break for the international window.
Jaissle’s successful run against the neighboring club continued with a narrow league triumph, further strengthening the team’s form this season.
Radio and press reports also noted that Jaissle has leaned on a consistent core while rotating other foreign players for tactical balance ahead of the next fixtures.
Club leadership’s stance
Speaking to local broadcasters, Al Ahli’s president emphasized treating the Derby as a three-point affair and reiterated the club’s aim to stay competitive at the top of the table and in Asian competition.
He added that the club’s ambition remains high, with supporters expecting a title challenge this season and continued strong performances in continental competition, aligning with the club’s broader ambitions.
As the protest circulates, the broader Saudi football community watches closely to see whether officiating standards will be elevated and whether future rosters of referees will include more international officials to ensure consistent call quality.
