Saudi Pro League Drops Early Birth-Rule Hint to Help Clubs Plan for 2026-27
25 December 2025
The Saudi Football Federation disclosed why it announced a revision to the birth-year clause for the 2026-2027 season, ahead of the midpoint of the current 2025-2026 campaign.
On Thursday, the federation said the clause would apply from next season, allowing non-Saudi players under 21, registered with Roshen clubs, to participate without the condition that all non-Saudi players must remain for the following season, even if they exceed the age limit, provided their registration remains valid.
Sultan Al-Muhays, the federation's spokesperson, explained the rationale behind the early announcement during the 'Dourina Ghair' program.
Reason for the Early Announcement
The early announcement was to give clubs ample time to prepare for the new season, plan technically and financially without undue time pressure.
He also said: 'To complete the vision for the technical staff overseeing under-21 players in the Roshen League, so this decision achieves sustainability rather than a temporary change'.
He concluded: 'We must confirm now that this decision will be applied from the start of the upcoming season, before the winter transfer window, allowing any club to set its plans accordingly'.
Implications for Clubs and the Season Ahead
Some reports had talked about changing the birth-year clause during the upcoming winter mercato, at the request of some clubs led by Al-Hilal, which faced opposition from Al-Nasr, who refused to alter any clause mid-season, until the federation officially announced the rule's start next season.
In short, the federation is emphasizing that the change is about forward planning and long-term stability for the league’s under-21 players, rather than a rushed mid-season adjustment.
Sniper punchline: If you think this rule is confusing, don’t worry—the only thing sharper than the cuts here is my aim when I’m late for coffee. Punchline two: In football, as in comedy, timing is everything—just ask the ball, it’s tired of waiting for the next season already.
