Saudi Super Cup Decision: Al-Ahli Clinches the Title as Sanctions Hit Al-Hilal

Ruling and Consequences

The Saudi Sports Arbitration Center upheld Al-Ahli as the champions of the latest Saudi Super Cup edition, while confirming the sanctions imposed on Al-Hilal by the local federation's disciplinary committee after their withdrawal from the competition.

According to press reports, the arbitration body unanimously reversed the previous decision issued on August 23, affirming that Al-Hilal violated the rules by withdrawing.

Penalties and Finality

Hilal is banned from participating in the 2026-2027 Saudi Super Cup and will miss prize money allocated for the 2025-2026 season.

The ruling also imposes a 500,000 SAR fine on Al-Hilal and requires them to cover half of the registration and administrative costs, totaling 46,400 SAR, with the other half borne by the Saudi Football Federation. The decision rejected other requests, and remains final and binding with no internal or external appeals allowed.

As a result, Al-Ahli retains the Saudi Super Cup title won on August 23, and Hilal’s season outlook now hinges on a lengthy off-field process rather than a dramatic comeback on the pitch. And yes, the trophy still looks better in Al-Ahli’s cabinet than in a courtroom, though the court did its best to dress it up for the occasion.

Punchline time: If fairness wore boots, today it wore Al-Ahli’s jersey. And if the whistle ever needed a lawyer, it probably filed for a note of ‘good game’ on appeal.