The management of Al-Ittihad Club decided to escalate the situation following the team’s loss to its traditional rival Al-Nasr, as it decided to submit an official protest to the Saudi Football Federation regarding the legality of the participation of player Abdullah Al-Hamdan in the match that brought the two teams together as part of the competitions of the twenty-first round of the Saudi Professional League, which was held at the “Al-Awwal Park” stadium and ended with Al-Nasr winning by two goals to nil.
Background of the protest and its legal basis
Al-Ittihad's protest is based on the claim that Abdullah Al-Hamdan's transfer to Al-Nassr and his registration as a professional player were marred by procedural irregularities. The complaint centers on the player's unilateral termination of his contract with his former club without legitimate cause, an action that entails sporting and financial penalties according to the regulations governing player transfers adopted by FIFA and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. Al-Ittihad officials argue that the participation of a player registered through improper procedures renders his participation in the match invalid, thus entitling them to claim all three points.
Historical context and importance of the match
This issue takes on added significance as it follows the Saudi Arabian football "Clásico" between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, a match with a unique character and a long history of intense rivalry between two of the Kingdom's biggest sporting giants. The importance of the match transcends the mere three points; it always represents a battle to prove superiority and gain a tremendous morale boost. This competitive context ensures that any legal or administrative disputes between the two clubs attract widespread media and public attention, adding a new chapter to their exciting history of encounters.
Expected impact and disciplinary committee decision
If Al-Ittihad's protest is accepted and its claims are proven by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, the consequences for Al-Nassr will be severe. Regulations stipulate that in such cases, the team fielding an ineligible player is considered to have lost 3-0, meaning the three points would be deducted from Al-Nassr's tally and awarded to Al-Ittihad. This decision, if issued, will directly affect both teams' standings in the Saudi Professional League table and could alter the competition for the top spots. The Saudi sports community is now eagerly awaiting the decision of the relevant authorities in this complex case.
