Saudi football powerhouse Al Hilal has officially announced its withdrawal from the 2025/26 Saudi Super Cup, sparking debate about the growing strain on top-tier footballers and the impact of congested calendars.
In a detailed statement published on its official website, the club cited a host of logistical, regulatory, and medical concerns that made participation in the competition untenable—despite being a multi-time champion of the prestigious tournament.
đź“Ś Club World Cup Commitments Left No Room to Breathe
At the heart of Al Hilal’s withdrawal lies its involvement in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States. After an opening clash with Real Madrid, the team fought its way to the Quarter-finals, playing its last match on July 4. However, logistical complications meant the squad remained in Orlando until July 7.
The knock-on effect? Players were left with a mere 24 days of rest, falling short of the 28-day minimum stipulated under clause (5.6) of Saudi Arabia’s Professionalism and Player Status Regulations. Had the club chosen to compete in the Super Cup, that rest period would have dropped to just 21 days—a move Al Hilal deemed legally and ethically unacceptable.
đź—“ Scheduling Chaos & Competitive Imbalance
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) is also under scrutiny after it emerged that the Super Cup draw was held just one day after Al Hilal’s intense Club World Cup opener. Furthermore, the venue announcement—Hong Kong—was only made on June 13, when the squad had already departed for the U.S.
This lack of transparency, combined with the ambiguous end date of the Club World Cup journey, put the club in an impossible position. By comparison, other domestic teams were already entering pre-season, while Al Hilal players remained engaged in grueling international fixtures.
đź©ş Fatigue, Injuries & National Team Priorities
In a move that underscores the increasing burden on elite athletes, Al Hilal cited medical evaluations revealing “extreme fatigue” among key squad members. Several players also participated in national team duties before heading directly into the Club World Cup, pushing their bodies beyond acceptable thresholds without a recovery period.
With Saudi Arabia’s national team set to begin training in October for critical World Cup qualification playoffs, Al Hilal emphasized the risk of long-term injuries to core national players if rest wasn’t prioritized.
🧠A Call for Reform, Not Rebellion
Despite the withdrawal, Al Hilal expressed its ongoing support for the Saudi Super Cup and offered suggestions for alternative solutions to ensure the event could still succeed—without their participation. The club reiterated its commitment to Saudi football’s global image, noting that the decision was made with the broader interests of the national team, player welfare, and competitive integrity in mind.
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📢 Editor’s Take
Al Hilal’s stance could serve as a catalyst for scheduling reforms in Saudi and international football. The clash between marketing ambitions and player welfare is not new, but this high-profile withdrawal sends a clear message: athletes are not machines, and calendar congestion has real, physical consequences.
Whether this leads to meaningful adjustments remains to be seen—but Al Hilal’s bold step may set a precedent for clubs choosing caution over commercialization.
