The Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, headed by Yasser bin Hassan Al-Mishal, held an important periodic meeting at the Federation's headquarters in the capital, Riyadh, to discuss a number of strategic issues concerning the future of Saudi football, and to review the technical and administrative reports for the past period.
Regulating the participation of non-Saudi players in the Roshan League
In a move aimed at enhancing competitiveness and ensuring the technical sustainability of clubs, the Council issued a pivotal decision concerning the future of foreign professionals. The Council adopted the General Secretariat's recommendation to allow clubs in the Roshan Professional League to field non-Saudi players under the age of 21, without obligating clubs to retain these players until they reach a specific age. This regulation is set to take effect starting from the 2026–2027 season.
This decision comes amidst the major transformations taking place in Saudi sports, as the federation seeks to empower clubs to attract young talent from around the world. This will contribute to increasing the league's market value and making it a platform for launching stars, rather than relying solely on acquiring established players. This approach aligns with the national sports strategy, which aims to position the Saudi league among the top 10 leagues globally by blending international expertise with emerging young talent.
Jeddah to host Asian Elite Finals
On another note, the Council welcomed the Asian Football Confederation's announcement that Jeddah would host the final stages of the AFC Champions League. The Council affirmed that this selection reflects the continent's strong confidence in the Kingdom's organizational capabilities and advanced infrastructure.
This hosting is a new link in the chain of successes that the Kingdom has recently achieved in hosting major sporting events, such as the Club World Cup and the Spanish and Italian Super Cups, which enhances the Kingdom’s position as a global sporting destination and supports its ambitious bid to host the 2034 World Cup, confirming its complete readiness to welcome fans and teams from all over the continent.
Restructuring the second division league
As part of its administrative restructuring, the Council approved the dissolution of the Second Division League Association, following a thorough review of its financial and administrative aspects. The General Secretariat of the Federation will assume responsibility for managing the League's affairs and completing the liquidation process, a move aimed at streamlining operational efforts and enhancing governance, thereby ensuring greater efficiency in the management of domestic competitions.
Following national teams
The council concluded its meeting by discussing the technical reports of the national teams, including the participation of the youth teams and the women's national team. Particular emphasis was placed on the preparations of the under-23 national team, which is gearing up for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup to be hosted by the Kingdom next January. This tournament is of paramount importance as it serves as a qualifier for international competitions and reflects the development of Saudi football at the youth level.
