When the Schedule Plays Favorites: Has the Saudi Pro League Calendar Helped Al Nassr Win More Than The Pitch?

Controversy Over the Schedule

In recent days, a heated debate has swept Saudi football as Al Nassr rides a streak of wins while critics argue the current schedule unfairly favours the champions. Fans on social media and sports programs contend the calendar was designed to help Nasr secure the Roshan title, rather than ensuring a level playing field for all clubs.

At the center of the dispute is Prince Nawaf bin Saad, president of Al Hilal, who questioned the fairness of the schedule. He highlighted that Hilal would face two matches in Jeddah against Al Ittihad and Al Ahli within a single month, a tempo some say could disrupt balance for others and tilt the odds toward Nasr.

He noted Nasr began the season with relatively easy fixtures, allowing them to top the table after eight rounds. "Nasr benefited greatly from the calendar. The early games were easy; when the big teams finally arrive, most rivals are drained," he reportedly said. "The schedule must be transparent and fair."

Reactions and Counterpoints

A chorus of pundits quickly weighed in. Analysts and club voices have expressed sympathy with the concerns, arguing the calendar seems to favour Nasr this season in the race for the Roshan Cup.

Analyst Abdul Aziz Al-Ghayamah stated: "The calendar helps Nasr accumulate points up to around round 12; it avoids facing big clubs during that stretch."

Another pundit, Abdul Aziz Al-Sharqi, posted on X: "If Al Ittihad and Hilal are playing this week, why not Nasr against Al Ahli or Qadisiyah? Why is Nasr the exception from season start away from competitive matches?"

Analyst Adel Issam Al-Din added: "The Roshan schedule underscores a widening gap between our ambitious project and the performance of some committees." He questioned: "Who designed this schedule? On what basis were venues chosen?"

Official Responses and What’s Next

Nasr’s vice president, Khalid Al-Malik, rejected the idea that fixtures were rigged to favour his club. He argued the calendar does not serve Nasr by exhausting opponents at season’s end, pointing to travel patterns and climate differences across venues that can affect results. "The season is long, and these dynamics are part of the game," he asserted.

He noted Nasr would face a mix of opponents, while other teams might meet easier fixtures against lower-placed rivals, a reality he framed as part of a long campaign. "The season is long; if travel or scheduling affected outcomes, we’d see it in the table," he concluded.

Supporters of the rival view offered counterpoints, arguing that scheduling can influence momentum and derby tension, while others emphasized Nasr’s high-profile signings as the main driver of success. The debate continues, with fans and pundits debating whether the calendar is the culprit or simply a backdrop for a tight title race.

The article also notes Nasr’s transfer activity and the managerial move: the club secured high-profile signings and appointed Jorge Jesus, reportedly at Cristiano Ronaldo’s request, aiming to push for glory this season.

Balanced Conclusions

In summary, the Saudi Pro League calendar appears balanced on the surface, but public discourse around perceived biases persists. Nasr’s strong start, combined with new signings, keeps the conversation alive, even as many observers insist that the ultimate outcome will be decided on the pitch, not in the scheduling room.

Punchline time: If calendars were players, this schedule would be a striker—always aiming for goals, never for fairness. And if you think the calendar is biased, remember: football’s only truly sharp tool is the whistle that decides the final tick of the clock.