The Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Referees Committee officially announced the refereeing teams assigned to officiate today's matches, which are part of the 16th round of the 2025-2026 Saudi Professional League. This round is witnessing widespread media and public interest due to the high-profile matches, most notably the mini-Riyadh derby between Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab.
The highlight of the round: The Riyadh derby under the watchful eye of Al-Huwaish
All eyes will be on Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh this evening, as the day's matches conclude with a highly anticipated clash between Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab at 8:30 PM. The referees committee has entrusted Saudi international referee Mohammed Al-Howaish with officiating this crucial encounter, a move reflecting the growing confidence in local referees to manage major matches.
Al-Huwaish will be assisted in this task by a team consisting of Khalaf Al-Shammari and Yasser Al-Sultan as assistant referees, while Sultan Al-Harbi will be the fourth official to oversee the technical area. In the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room, referee Sami Al-Jaris will be in charge, assisted by Hassan Al-Salam, to ensure the accuracy of decisions in a match expected to be highly competitive and closely contested, given the long history of rivalry between the two teams and their desire to improve their position in the league standings.
Al-Ahli visits Al-Kholoud... and Al-Shamrani will be the referee
In another equally important match, Al-Ahli will be a tough opponent for Al-Kholoud in a game to be held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Buraidah at 6:10 PM. The refereeing committee has assigned Majid Al-Shamrani to officiate the match, assisted by Hisham Al-Rifai and Omar Al-Jamal on the lines, with Mohammed Al-Harbi serving as the fourth official.
This match holds particular importance for Al-Ahli, who are eager to continue their winning streak and delight their large fan base, while Al-Kholoud will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and secure a positive result. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be Raed Al-Zahrani, assisted by Ali Al-Ali.
Today's editorial: The midfield battle between Damac and Al-Fayha
Today's matches kick off at Al Majma'ah Sports City, where Damac hosts Al Fayha at 4:35 PM. The match will be officiated by referee Ahmed Al-Rumikhani , assisted by Issa Al-Khaibri and Abdullah Al-Ajeem, with Mohammed Al-Smaeel serving as the fourth official. Abdullah Al-Harbi will be in charge of VAR, assisted by Emad Askar.
These appointments come at a time when the Saudi League is witnessing tremendous development on all levels, which places a double responsibility on the referees to appear at the best level that keeps pace with the qualitative shift that Saudi football is experiencing, especially with the increasing global interest in the Roshan League matches.
