Saudi Pro League controversy: Al Qadsiah appeals to CAS for full points after lineup dispute with Al Ahli
18 February 2026
Update: Qadsiah escalates the case to CAS
In the Saudi Pro League, Al Qadsiah has escalated their complaint against Al Ahli by asking for the match points to be awarded to them, arguing a lineup change by the host before kickoff violated regulations. Al Ahli won the December encounter 2-1 in the ninth round, prompting this move.
What happened and what it could mean
The request was rejected by the disciplinary and appeal committees; Al Qadsiah now plans to take the matter to the Saudi Arbitration Court, which would be the final step if they want the full three points. The club took this step after receiving the reasoning for the rejection from the appeals committee.
The club states that Al Ahli fielded four players improperly: forwards Firas Al Breikan and Ivan Toni, defender Mohammed Suleiman, and midfielder Valentin Atangana.
The Saudi newspaper Al Riyada reported that Qadsiah intends to escalate to the Saudi Arbitration Court, the last possible move to obtain full points. The decision comes after the management received the rationale for the initial denial from the disciplinary committee, following an earlier rejection by the appeals panel.
If the decision goes against Al Qadsiah, the gap to league leaders Al Hilal could widen to six points, potentially dimming their title hopes. Al Ahli sits third with 50 points, three behind the leaders and two behind the second-placed team, Al Nassr.
Punchline: If paperwork could score goals, Al Qadsiah would be lifting the trophy by now. Punchline 2: When in doubt, appeal—the game now has more forms than fans in the stands.
