The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has postponed all Matchweek 13 fixtures in the 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League season following the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) decision to reschedule the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The league confirmed the decision on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as part of a wider review of its domestic football calendar. The postponement affects several major clubs, including Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli, with their scheduled matches between November 5 and 7 now awaiting new dates.
In its official announcement, the Saudi Pro League said the revised Asian Cup schedule had created additional flexibility in the domestic football calendar.
The league also confirmed that it would consult participating clubs before finalising adjustments to the remaining fixtures of the season.
According to the SPL, the review aims to achieve a more balanced distribution of matches while providing players with sufficient time for rest and recovery.
AFC Reschedules Asian Cup 2027 to December
The Saudi Pro League’s decision followed the AFC’s announcement that the 2027 Asian Cup would be moved from its original January schedule to December 23, 2027, through January 21, 2028.
The tournament was initially scheduled to take place from January 7 to February 5, 2027, with Saudi Arabia serving as the host nation.
In its November 3 announcement, the AFC said the decision followed extensive discussions with the tournament’s Local Organising Committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).
The continental governing body cited exceptional circumstances arising from regional developments, including logistical complications and travel disruptions, as reasons for changing the tournament schedule.
The proposed revised dates will be submitted to FIFA for approval.
The competition will feature 24 national teams competing for the Asian football title across host venues in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad Among Clubs Affected
The postponement has disrupted several important fixtures involving leading Saudi Pro League clubs.
Al-Qadsiah were scheduled to host Al-Fayha on Thursday, November 5, while Al-Nassr were due to travel to Qassim to face Al-Hazem.
Friday’s programme included Al-Ittihad’s home fixture against NEOM.
Saturday’s postponed matches featured Al-Hilal’s away game against Al-Ettifaq in Dammam and Al-Ahli’s home meeting with Al-Taawoun in Jeddah.
These fixtures were part of Matchweek 13 of the Roshn Saudi League, which is now subject to a revised schedule.
The postponement comes during a competitive period for Saudi clubs, many of which are managing domestic league commitments alongside continental competitions.
Fixture Congestion Raises Player Workload Concerns
The Saudi football calendar has faced several scheduling challenges during the 2026-27 season.
Some domestic fixtures were previously rescheduled in October because of security-related disruptions and logistical difficulties affecting sporting events in the Kingdom.
The original Asian Cup dates were also expected to create additional pressure on the domestic schedule, which must accommodate international competitions and national-team commitments.
Player workload has remained a concern among coaching staff, particularly as clubs compete across multiple tournaments.
Al-Ittihad head coach Jens Wissing previously highlighted the difficulty of managing players who are required to play every three days.
Al-Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou has also discussed squad rotation as part of efforts to manage player workloads and maintain performance throughout a demanding season.
The revised football calendar could provide clubs with greater flexibility when planning training sessions, recovery periods and player rotations.
SPL to Consult Clubs Before Announcing New Fixtures
The Saudi Pro League will organise a workshop with participating clubs to discuss proposed changes to the 2026-27 competition calendar.
According to the league’s official announcement, the consultation will allow clubs to provide feedback before the revised fixture schedule is finalised.
The SPL has not announced replacement dates for Matchweek 13. It said the new schedule would be confirmed after the review is completed and adjustments have been agreed upon with the relevant stakeholders.
For supporters of Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and other participating clubs, the immediate priority is to await confirmation of the rescheduled fixtures.
