Matches in Saudi Arabia’s top-tier football league scheduled for the coming week have been officially postponed. The Saudi Pro League (SPL) confirmed the decision on Tuesday, noting that the move follows the recent rescheduling of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, which provides greater flexibility in the domestic football calendar.
The Asian Football Confederation confirmed the tournament will now be held from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, shifting from its original dates of January 7 to February 5. This adjustment was finalized following extensive consultations between the AFC, the Local Organising Committee of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The 24-team continental tournament had been due to take place from January 7 to February 5.
Regional security concerns have recently impacted the sporting landscape in the kingdom. Last month, an attack on Riyadh’s international airport resulted in at least 13 fatalities and over 300 injuries, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels claiming responsibility for the strike. Subsequent attacks on the airport in the following week led to at least five additional deaths. These incidents have previously forced changes to the football schedule, including the recent postponement of an AFC Champions League Elite match between Al-Nassr and Al Wasl due to missile threats. Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
Regarding the latest domestic league changes, the SPL stated in their announcement, “The decision comes as part of a wider review of the 2026-27 league fixture schedule. New dates for matchweek 13 will be announced once the review is complete.” Previous disruptions this season have included a significant delay to a kickoff earlier in the year, which occurred after the Saudi Civil Defence issued a safety warning just 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
