Al Hilal could miss the 26/27 Saudi Super Cup after pulling out of the tournament

The decision has triggered disciplinary sanctions from the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF). The SAFF Disciplinary and Ethics Committee announced that Al Hilal had violated Article 59-3 of its regulations after pulling out of the four-team competition scheduled to take place in Hong Kong from August 19 to 23, 2025.

The federation confirmed that the 2025–26 Super Cup title holders will be fined 500,000 SAR ($133,000) and barred from participating in the 2026–27 Super Cup, should they qualify.

“Al Hilal refused to participate in the Saudi Super Cup for the 2025–2026 season after the official schedule for the competition was issued,” the committee said.
“As a result, the committee ruled that Al Hilal had violated Article (59-3) of the Disciplinary and Ethics Regulations.”

Related News: Al Hilal crush Al Ittihad to lift Saudi Super Cup

The club cited player fatigue following their recent participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where they were eliminated by Fluminense in the quarter-finals on July 4, losing 2-1.

In addition to the ban and financial penalty, Al Hilal have been stripped of all financial rewards from this season’s Super Cup competition. Their withdrawal forced a reshuffle in the semi-final fixtures. Al Ahli, winners of the AFC Champions League, have been drafted in to replace Al Hilal and will now face Al Qadsiah (King’s Cup runners-up) on August 20.

Al Nassr, who finished third in the Saudi Pro League, take the other semi-final slot due to Al Ittihad winning both the Pro League and the King’s Cup. Al Nassr will now play Al Ittihad on August 19 in the opening semi-final match.

A Record Holder Misses Out

Al Hilal’s absence marks a notable omission from the competition. The club are the most successful team in Saudi Super Cup history, having won the trophy five times, including last season when they defeated Al Nassr in the final.

Their withdrawal not only opens the door for new champions but also raises questions about player welfare and club scheduling amid the congested domestic and international football calendar.

The SAFF committee stated that the ruling is open to appeal, and Al Hilal has been invited to comment on the decision. As of press time, the club has not issued a formal response.

Key Facts:

• Tournament: 2025–26 Saudi Super Cup (to be held in Hong Kong)
• Al Hilal Sanctions:
  • Banned from 2026–27 Super Cup
  • Fined 500,000 SAR (~$133,000)
  • Forfeited prize money from this season
• Replacement Team: Al Ahli (AFC Champions League winners)
• Updated Semi-finals:
  • Al Ittihad vs Al Nassr (Aug 19)
  • Al Qadsiah vs Al Ahli (Aug 20)