Saudi Pro League Postpones All Matchday 13 Fixtures
The Saudi Pro League Matchday 13 fixtures have all been postponed, the league announced on Tuesday, hours after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) moved the 2027 AFC Asian Cup to December 2027.
In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, the league 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.
Why the Asian Cup shift changed the calendar
The AFC postponed the Asian Cup from its original start date of 7 January 2027 to 23 December 2027. It cited “exceptional circumstances” that made the change “necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.”
That shift changed the shape of the domestic season. The original Asian Cup schedule was expected to put further pressure on a calendar already crowded by the World Cup and the Gulf Cup. Moving the tournament to December gives the league room to rework its fixtures, and Matchday 13 is the first set of games to move as a result.
The Saudi Pro League had already rescheduled several matches throughout October, following attacks on the Kingdom that targeted airports and other facilities. The league therefore enters this latest change with a calendar that was already under strain.
Which Saudi Pro League Matchday 13 fixtures are affected
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.
No new dates have been announced for Matchday 13. With an international break scheduled immediately after the original fixtures, the postponed matches could be played once players return from national team duty. That remains a possibility, not a confirmed plan.
Coaches welcome the breathing room
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.
Their comments explain why a postponement, while disruptive for fans and broadcasters, may be welcomed inside dressing rooms. A crowded calendar forces the same players to play every three days, which raises injury risk and lowers the quality of matches.
What happens next
The league will now hold a workshop with clubs to discuss proposed adjustments to the league calendar. That workshop will decide how Matchday 13 fits into the rest of the season, and whether further fixtures need to move.
Until that workshop concludes, supporters of Al-Qadsiah, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli know only that this weekend’s games will not go ahead as planned. The new dates, and any wider calendar changes, are still to be announced.
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Frequently asked questions
Why has the Saudi Pro League postponed Matchday 13?
The league postponed all Matchday 13 fixtures as part of a wider review of the 2026-27 schedule, after the AFC moved the 2027 Asian Cup to December 2027.
When was the Asian Cup originally scheduled?
It was originally set to start on 7 January 2027. It will now start on 23 December 2027, with the AFC citing exceptional circumstances.
Which big fixtures are affected?
Al-Qadsiah were to host Al-Fayha, Al-Nassr were to visit Al-Hazem, Al-Ittihad were to host NEOM, Al-Hilal were to visit Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ahli were to host Al-Taawoun.
Have new dates been announced?
No. The league has not announced new dates, though the matches could be played after the international break. A workshop with clubs will discuss proposed calendar adjustments.
Had the league already moved matches this season?
Yes. The league had already rescheduled several matches in October following attacks on the Kingdom that targeted airports and other facilities.
