Saudi Pro League Postpones All Matchday 13 Fixtures

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has suspended all Matchday 13 games slated for this weekend, shortly after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rescheduled the 2027 AFC Asian Cup to December 2027. A statement released Tuesday revealed the decision formed part of a broader review of the 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League fixture schedule. "The decision stems from assessing the revised Asian Cup dates, which have provided extra room in the domestic football calendar," the SPL noted.

The Asian Cup's shift from its initial January 7, 2027, kickoff to December 23, 2027, prompted the change "for the best interests of all teams, officials, spectators, and other stakeholders," the statement added. Several key league matches have been impacted by this decision. Al-Qadsiah was set to play Al-Fayha on Thursday in their quest for a first league title, while Al-Nassr was scheduled to travel to Qassim to contest against Al-Hazem.

Al-Ittihad was due to host NEOM on Friday. Saturday saw Al-Hilal taking on Al-Ettifaq in Dammam and Al-Ahli facing Al-Taawoun in Jeddah. The SPL had already rearranged a number of matches throughout October following attacks on the Kingdom targeting airports and other sites. The original Asian Cup schedule was expected to add to the domestic calendar's crowded nature, already affected by the World Cup and Gulf Cup.

The revised schedule may offer relief to coaches concerned about fixture congestion and player fatigue. Al-Ittihad head coach Jens Wissing previously reported on the challenges of managing players' workloads, stressing, "it's tough for one player to play every three days." Al-Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou shared similar worries regarding player rotations.

"We must adopt a different approach, only fair on the players," he commented. The SPL will convene a workshop with clubs to discuss potential calendar modifications. No new dates have been set for Matchday 13. However, with an international break following the original fixtures, the postponed games may be rescheduled once players return from national team duty.