Rivals, Postponements, and a Calendar in Chaos: The Saudi Pro League Heats Up
26 March 2026
"The World" bares its fangs in the Roshen Pro League.
Rivalry Sparks Postponement Debate
Al-Nassr has sparked a fresh controversy in the Roshen Pro League, this time facing its eternal rivals Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad.
According to Okaz, the club awaits a decision from the league's competitions committee regarding a request to postpone the Al-Ettifaq match in Round 29, due to clashes with the AFC Champions League 2 schedule.
ACL Schedule and League Standings
Nassr’s meeting with Al-Ettifaq is set for Friday, April 24, at Al-Nasr Park, two days after the ACL 2 semifinal.
Nassr will face Al-Wasl of the UAE on April 19 in the ACL quarterfinals; if they advance, they will meet the winner of Al-Hussein Irbid (Jordan) vs Al-Ahli (Qatar) in the semifinal on April 22.
Postponement Requests, League Changes, and Title Race
Nassr initially asked to move the Al-Ettifaq game to April 15; the request was rejected, then renewed after ACL dates were set, with no reply yet.
The club argues that playing on April 24 is impossible, given 48 hours after the ACL semifinal and the potential for extra time if tied.
The Saudi League moved matches of Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad to April 7 because of Elite ACL commitments.
Nassr leads the standings with 67 points, three clear of the Green and five ahead of the Blue Wave.
Nassr has previously criticized league officials for not strengthening the squad in winter transfers, unlike Al-Hilal; Cristiano Ronaldo even missed some games.
Analysts note the calendar chaos could shape the title race, while fans enjoy the banter. Punchline 1: If calendars were players, this league would sign with April. Punchline 2: And the kickoff time? It’s as unpredictable as Ronaldo's footwork after a hat-trick.
