KSAsportz report
RIYADH — Al Ahli has officially confirmed their participation in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup, stepping in to take the place of Al Hilal, who withdrew from the tournament due to player fatigue and scheduling issues.
The competition is scheduled to occur in Hong Kong from August 19 to 23, where Al Ahli will compete against Al Qadsiah in the semifinal on August 20. The other semifinal will feature Al Nassr facing Al Ittihad.
Matthias Jaissle, Al Ahli’s German manager, welcomed the club’s participation, recognizing the tournament as a valuable opportunity to refine the squad before the upcoming season.
The Saudi Football Federation has acknowledged receiving an official withdrawal letter from Al Hilal, stating that it will take appropriate actions in compliance with tournament regulations. Relevant committees will manage the decision following the official Super Cup rulebook.
In a comprehensive statement issued on Monday, Al Hilal cited medical and physical concerns as reasons for their withdrawal, following an extensive Club World Cup campaign in the United States.
With only 21 to 24 days of rest available for players after the global tournament, the club noted that this conflicted with the 28-day annual leave mandated in their professional contracts per Saudi Football Federation regulations.
The club pointed out that the short recovery duration, alongside international duty commitments, heightened the likelihood of player injuries.
The statement also highlighted logistical hurdles, noting that the federation’s calendar released on June 1 did not identify Hong Kong as the venue—a detail made public only on June 13, after the team had already left for the U.S.
Al Hilal, who secured their Super Cup entry as Saudi Pro League runners-up, were initially set to face Al Qadsiah in the semifinal.
The club expressed pride in its previous Super Cup accomplishments but reiterated that the withdrawal decision was taken with the best interests of both players and the national team in mind, especially with the World Cup qualification playoff in October approaching.
With Al Ahli stepping in, the updated tournament lineup maintains the four-team format and ensures that the event remains a significant occasion leading up to the 2025–26 domestic season.