Al-Hilal first team to skip Saudi Super Cup in HK
Al-Hilal are the defending champions of the Saudi Super Cup. File photo: Reuters
Al-Hilal have announced they won't be sending their first team to play in next month's Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong.
The Riyadh-based club cited contractual obligations on annual leave and the need to ensure the health of players.
In a statement on Monday, Al-Hilal said the team had written to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to explain the decision.
The defending champions of the Saudi Super Cup noted that taking part in the August tournament would amount to contract violations with players not getting the minimum 28 days of annual leave.
The Blues recently played in the Fifa Club World Cup in the United States and reached the quarter-finals where they lost to Fluminense.
"After that match, the team had to remain in Orlando for three additional days due to flight constraints, which reduced the players' annual leave to only 24 days in the event of withdrawal, and to 21 days if the club participated in the Super Cup," the statement read.
Al-Hilal also pointed out the decision came after "a review of the physical and muscular condition of several players, which showed signs of extreme fatigue after a demanding season that lasted a full year and one week".
"Therefore, the decision to not participate serves not only the club's interest but also that of the Saudi national team, which is preparing for a training camp in October ahead of the World Cup qualification playoffs – with many Al-Hilal players expected to participate," the club added.
Responding to RTHK's enquiries, the organiser of the Saudi Super Cup said it had taken note of the relevant reports and that the selection of the teams taking part was solely determined by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
"If any qualified team is unable to attend and another team takes its place, ticket holders may choose between a full refund or attending the matches with the replacement team with their existing tickets," the organiser said.
"If any qualified team is unable to attend and no replacement team is arranged, a full refund will be provided to all ticket holders of that specific semifinal match."
The Saudi Super Cup will take place from August 19 to 23 at the Hong Kong Stadium, the first time the tournament is staged in East Asia.
Meanwhile, English Premier League champions Liverpool have arrived in Hong Kong ahead of their match against AC Milan at Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday, as part of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will battle in the first-ever north London derby outside the UK on July 31.
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