Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Al Ahli have formally agreed to take part within the 2025 Saudi Tremendous Cup, stepping in to switch Al Hilal, who withdrew from the event as a result of participant fatigue and scheduling conflicts.
The competitors, set to happen in Hong Kong from Aug. 19–23, will now see Al Ahli face Al Qadsiah within the semifinal on August 20. The opposite semifinal pits Al Nassr in opposition to Al Ittihad.
Al Ahli’s German supervisor Matthias Jaissle accepted the membership’s participation, viewing the event as a really perfect alternative to sharpen the squad forward of the brand new season.
The Saudi Soccer Federation confirmed receiving an official withdrawal letter from Al Hilal and stated it would proceed with obligatory measures in accordance with event laws. The choice shall be dealt with by related committees and the official Tremendous Cup rulebook.
In an in depth assertion launched Monday, Al Hilal defined that their withdrawal was prompted by medical and bodily issues following their prolonged Membership World Cup marketing campaign in the US.
The membership’s participation within the international event left gamers with solely 21 to 24 days of relaxation, violating the 28-day annual go away stipulated of their skilled contracts beneath Saudi Soccer Federation laws.
The membership emphasised that the quick restoration interval, compounded by worldwide obligation commitments, raised the chance of participant accidents.
The assertion additionally famous logistical challenges, because the federation’s calendar launched on June 1 didn’t specify Hong Kong because the venue—an announcement solely made on June 13, after the staff had departed for the U.S.
Al Hilal, who earned their Tremendous Cup spot as Saudi Professional League runners-up, have been initially drawn to face Al Qadsiah within the semifinal.
The membership acknowledged its delight in previous Tremendous Cup successes however reiterated that the choice to withdraw was made in the most effective curiosity of each gamers and the nationwide staff, particularly with the October World Cup qualification playoff approaching.
With Al Ahli stepping in, the revised event lineup retains the four-team format intact and ensures the occasion stays a key fixture forward of the 2025–26 home season.
