Saudi Pro League Postpones All Matchday 13 Fixtures - ProPakistani

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has announced the postponement of all Matchday 13 fixtures scheduled for this weekend, hours after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) moved the 2027 AFC Asian Cup to December 2027.

In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, the SPL said the decision was part of a wider review of the 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League schedule.

“The decision comes as part of a wider review of the 2026-27 RSL (Roshn Saudi League) fixture schedule, with the revised Asian Cup dates creating additional flexibility in the domestic football calendar,” the statement said.

The AFC postponed the Asian Cup from its original January 7, 2027, start date to December 23, 2027, citing “exceptional circumstances” that made the change “necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.”

Several important league fixtures have been affected by the decision.

Al-Qadsiah was scheduled to host Al-Fayha on Thursday as they continued their pursuit of a first league title. Al-Nassr was also set to travel to Qassim to face Al-Hazem, while Al-Ittihad was due to host NEOM on Friday.

Saturday’s fixtures included Al-Hilal’s away match against Al-Ettifaq in Dammam and Al-Ahli’s home game against Al-Taawoun in Jeddah.

The Saudi Pro League had already rescheduled several matches throughout October following attacks on the Kingdom that targeted airports and other facilities.

The original Asian Cup schedule was expected to put further pressure on an already crowded domestic calendar affected by the World Cup and Gulf Cup.

The revised schedule could provide relief for coaches who have repeatedly raised concerns about fixture congestion and player fatigue.

Al-Ittihad head coach Jens Wissing previously highlighted the challenges of managing players’ workloads, saying, “it is difficult for the same player to play every three days.”

Al-Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou expressed similar concerns while explaining his squad rotations.

“We have to take different approach, it’s only fair on the players,” he said.

The SPL will now hold a workshop with clubs to discuss proposed adjustments to the league calendar.

No new dates have been announced for Matchday 13. However, with an international break scheduled immediately after the original fixtures, the postponed matches could be played once players return from national team duty.

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