Al-Fateh Club management officially announced its categorical rejection of any requests from its counterpart in Al-Nasr Club to increase the number of seats allocated to the visiting team’s fans, before the anticipated match that will bring the two teams together at Al-Fateh Club Stadium in Al-Ahsa, as part of the twenty-second round of the Saudi Professional League.
Al-Fateh Club confirmed in its statement its commitment to implementing the regulations of the Saudi Professional League, which stipulate that only 10% of the stadium capacity be allocated to away fans, while the remaining 90% belongs to the home team's supporters. This decision underscores the club's management's desire to fully capitalize on home advantage and the support of its fans to achieve a positive result against one of the top contenders for the league title this season.
Background to the decision: In light of the growing popularity of the Saudi League
The Saudi Professional League (SPL) is witnessing unprecedented global interest, especially after the arrival of a constellation of international football stars, most notably the Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, at Al-Nassr FC. This significant transformation has led to a massive increase in Al-Nassr's fan base in particular, and its matches, both home and away, now draw huge crowds. Consequently, Al-Nassr's management has consistently requested an increase in its allocation of seats at away stadiums to accommodate its large fan base, a request that some clubs have previously granted.
The importance of the decision and its impact on competition
Al-Fateh's decision reflects a shift in clubs' strategies regarding home advantage. Instead of focusing on the potential financial gain from selling additional tickets to visiting fans, Al-Fateh has chosen to prioritize home support as a crucial factor that can tip the scales in their favor on the pitch. This stance reinforces the principle of "home advantage" and intensifies competition in the league, sending a clear message that every point and every match is now of paramount importance, and that clubs will not easily relinquish any advantage that might give them a significant edge.
Locally, this decision is welcomed by Al-Fateh fans, who will be able to fill their stadium to capacity, creating a vibrant and pressure-filled atmosphere for the opposing team. At the league level, this move may encourage other clubs to take similar steps when hosting teams with large fan bases, making away matches more challenging and promoting a level playing field for all competing teams throughout the season.
