After Damac FC's relegation to the Yellow League, Abu Nakha'a said: "The lights of Asir have gone out."
Details of Damac FC's relegation to the Yellow Division
Sports fans in the southern region, particularly in Khamis Mushait, experienced a night of sadness after the relegation of Damac FC to the First Division (the "Yellow League") was confirmed. This bitter relegation came after a crushing 4-1 defeat against Al-Nassr FC in the decisive match held at Al-Awwal Park Stadium as part of the final round of the 2025-2026 Saudi Professional League season.
This loss coincided with a valuable victory achieved by Al-Riyadh Club over its counterpart Al-Akhdoud by a score of 1-0, which raised Al-Riyadh’s tally to 30 points, thus ensuring its official stay in the top league for the next season, leaving Damac Club to face the fate of relegation that it has always tried to avoid in past seasons.
Reactions and statements by Saleh Abu Nakhah
Damac FC's relegation did not go unnoticed on social media, where platforms, especially "X," erupted with anger and harsh criticism. Sports fans traded accusations, holding the current club management and coaching staff fully responsible for this alarming decline in performance and results, which ultimately led to their relegation from the Saudi Professional League.
Amidst these events, the former president of Damac FC, Mr. Saleh Abu Nakhah, expressed his deep sorrow and profound regret over the relegation. He wrote poignant words on his official account that resonated with the club's fans, saying, "The lights of Asir have been extinguished, and Khamis Mushait is now in mourning." He added in his tweet, "I am saddened by Damac's relegation, and congratulations to Al-Nassr on their return to the podium, as they were the most deserving and worthy team to win the league." These statements reflect the deep emotional connection between the club and its former icons who contributed to building its glory.
Historical context and importance of Damac Club in Asir
Founded in 1972, Damac FC is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Over the years, Damac has been a source of pride for the Asir region in the Saudi Professional League. In previous seasons, the team has delivered impressive performances, challenging some of the top Saudi clubs and establishing itself as a formidable competitor in numerous competitions.
Participating in the Saudi Professional League was not merely a sporting achievement for Khamis Mushait; it also had significant economic and tourism implications. Hosting matches against major, popular clubs contributes to stimulating sports and commerce in the region and highlights the development taking place in Asir.
The expected impact of relegation and the team's future
The relegation of Damac FC to the Yellow League will undoubtedly have significant repercussions both locally and regionally. Financially, the club will lose a substantial portion of the substantial revenue generated by television broadcasting rights and commercial sponsorships from the Yellow League, which has become one of the strongest leagues globally thanks to attracting top players.
On a technical level, the club's management will need to undertake a complete restructuring of the team and seek new technical and administrative stability to ensure a swift return to the top flight. The Yellow League is known for its extreme difficulty and fierce competition, and the task of returning will not be easy unless the mistakes made this season are addressed and a clear strategy is put in place. This strategy should focus on attracting players capable of withstanding the pressures of the First Division and bringing back the glory days for Asir.
