Whistle to the World: Al Hilal Seeks International Referees for the Saudi Derby
28 December 2025
Derby Day: Al Hilal seeks international referees
Al Hilal has filed an urgent request ahead of its highly anticipated showdown with rival Al Nassr, as the 15th round of the Saudi Pro League approaches.
According to the Saudi daily Al-Yom, the club submitted an official request to the referees committee to appoint an international officiating crew to run the derby.
The Saudi Pro League federation has scheduled the match for January 12 at Kingdom Arena, the home of the leaders.
The two sides come into the derby on the back of solid recent form: Al Hilal beat Al Khaleej 3-2 in Round 11, while Al Nassr defeated Al Akhdoud 3-0.
As 2025 closes, the Zaeem will finish the year with a clash against Al-Kholood at their ground, while Al Nassr will visit Al-Ettifaq.
Al Nassr currently sits top of the standings with 30 points, four ahead of second-placed Al Hilal after ten rounds.
Punchline 1: If the foreign ref has a passport, you know the whistle isn’t staying put on the field—international drama, on and off the pitch.
Punchline 2: They say defense wins titles; apparently, this derby’s real MVP is the budget for travel receipts—talk about international relations on the field.
