Al-Hilal sanctioned for skipping Hong Kong-hosted Saudi Super Cup, blaming Club World Cup

Al-Hilal will be banned from next year’s Saudi Super Cup if they qualify, after their recent withdrawal from this month’s four-team competition in Hong Kong.

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The Saudi Arabia Football Federation’s (SAFF) disciplinary and ethics committee announced the decision on Tuesday.

It came after holders Al-Hilal pulled out of the Super Cup, scheduled to be played in Hong Kong from August 19 to 23, citing player fatigue following their Club World Cup campaign. They lost 2-1 to Fluminense in the quarter-finals on July 4.

“Al-Hilal refused to participate in the Saudi Super Cup for the 2025-2026 season after the official schedule for the competition was issued,” the disciplinary committee said in a statement.

Al-Hilal’s Marcos Leonardo scores against Manchester City at the Club World Cup. Photo: Reuters

“As a result, the committee ruled that Al-Hilal had violated Article (59-3) of the Disciplinary and Ethics Regulations and fined the club 500,000 Saudi Riyals (US$133,000) to be paid to the SAFF,” the statement added.

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