Al-Hilal Withdraws From the Saudi Super Cup
According to Al-Hilal's officials, the players are still exhausted after participating in the Club World Cup, and need some time to recover before starting another season. The Saudi Football Association is not objecting, as Al-Hilal is the only team that barely had any rest.
According to local media, the club could face penalties under tournament regulations, including a fine of up to SAR 500,000 and a potential ban from the next edition. The Federation is still reviewing potential implications.
Sports critic Mohammed Al-Sheikh: 'The team is suffering from continuous fatigue after a long and arduous season, both at the club level and with the national teams, while no other Saudi club has faced the same physical pressure.'
Al-Hilal have submitted an official apology for not playing their scheduled match against Al-Qadisiyah. Al-Shekh commented that the apology was not arbitrary but came after a thorough analysis of the technical and administrative circumstances, considering that the decision could ultimately benefit the team in the long term.
The Saudi Super Cup is set to take place in Hong Kong on August 19, with Al-Nassr facing Al-Ittihad. Al-Hilal were due to play Al-Qadisiyah the following day.
The Riyadh-based club is the title holder of the last Saudi Super Cup, with Brazilian forward Malcom scoring twice in a 4-1 victory over Al Ittihad in Abu Dhabi.
With Al-Hilal out of the Super Cup, Al-Ahli is considered the frontrunners to replace them, according to Al-Riyadiyah newspaper. The final line-up of participating clubs is yet to be confirmed. Tags: Al HilalRoshn Saudi Leagueyassine bounou
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