Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, has put an end to the controversy surrounding the possibility of changing the number of foreign players allowed in the rosters of Saudi Professional League clubs during the upcoming 2026/2027 season. In a press statement on Tuesday, Al-Misehal confirmed that this matter is subject to a comprehensive annual evaluation and study, indicating that no changes have been approved at this time.
Al-Musahal said, “The number of foreign players is reviewed annually, and so far there are no changes. We are assessing the impact of any changes with the officials at the Roshan League.” He added that any future decisions will be based on the best interests of Saudi football in general, and the national team in particular. He concluded by emphasizing that “any completed study that benefits Saudi football in general and the national team in particular will be announced, but as of now there is no change to the number of foreign players.”.
The historical context of the decision to increase the number of foreigners
The regulations governing foreign players in the Saudi Professional League have undergone rapid developments in recent years, in line with the sports transformation strategy under the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Initially limited to seven foreign players, the number was gradually increased to eight in the matchday squad, and then further expanded to allow each club to register ten foreign players in its overall roster. This expansion aims to raise the technical and competitive level of the league and make it an attractive destination for the world's top football stars, a goal that has already been achieved by attracting renowned names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, thus placing the Saudi Professional League among the world's major leagues.
The importance and expected impact of the decision
The decision to limit the number of foreign players carries significant strategic importance on various levels. Domestically , the decision sparks ongoing debate about balancing the need to improve the quality of competition with providing opportunities for young Saudi talent. While increasing the number of foreign players raises the level of training and matches, it may reduce the playing time available to local players, a factor the Saudi Football Federation takes into account when assessing the impact on the national team.
On both regional and international , the presence of a large number of foreign stars enhances the competitiveness of Saudi clubs in continental tournaments such as the AFC Champions League, and increases the marketing value and television broadcasting rights of the league globally. This decision is an integral part of the Kingdom's soft power strategy and strengthens its position as a global sports hub, especially as it prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
According to current regulations, each club in the Roshan League is entitled to register 10 foreign players, two of whom must be born in 2004 or later. Only eight of these players can be included in the matchday squad, except in the King's Cup and Super Cup competitions. In the Yelo First Division, the limit is four foreign players, while only three are permitted in the Second Division.
