The Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Disciplinary and Ethics Committee issued a decisive ruling against Al-Kholoud player Hattan Bahebri for his unsportsmanlike conduct during his team's match against Al-Nassr in the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League. The ruling included a two-match suspension and a fine of 20,000 Saudi Riyals.
The committee based its decision on the official match referee's report, which documented the foul committed by Bahbri against an opposing player. In its statement, the committee confirmed that this decision is final and not subject to appeal, in accordance with Article (144) of the Disciplinary and Ethics Regulations. This precludes any attempt to mitigate the penalty and underscores the strictness with which such cases are handled.
General context and the importance of adhering to the spirit of sportsmanship
This decision comes at a time when the Saudi Professional League is experiencing a qualitative leap on all fronts, attracting international stars and growing international media attention. In this context, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and its various committees, most notably the Disciplinary Committee, are striving to establish a professional and positive image for the competition, one that extends beyond the technical level to include ethical and behavioral aspects. Imposing deterrent penalties for actions that deviate from the spirit of sportsmanship is an integral part of the strategy to develop the league and maintain its integrity and fair competitive values.
The expected impact of the decision on the player and the club
This penalty is expected to have a direct impact on Al-Kholoud Club, which will be without one of its most prominent and experienced players for two upcoming matches that could prove crucial to the team's league campaign. The decision also sends a clear message to all players in the league about the necessity of adhering to the highest standards of sportsmanship, and that the committee will not hesitate to enforce regulations against any player, regardless of their name or club. On a personal level, this penalty serves as a reminder to Hattan Bahebri of the importance of controlling his emotions on the field, especially given his status as an international player who serves as a role model for young athletes. Maintaining a good reputation and disciplinary standards is just as important as technical performance in the career of any professional athlete.
