Controversy surrounds the scheduling of the King's Cup semi-finals during the last ten days of Ramadan
The announcement by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Competitions Committee of the dates for the King's Cup semi-final matches has sparked widespread surprise and controversy in Saudi sporting circles. The match between Al-Hazm and Al-Ittihad is scheduled for March 16 (corresponding to the 27th of Ramadan), and the highly anticipated derby between Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal is set for March 17 (corresponding to the 28th of Ramadan). This has left fans perplexed, as these dates coincide with the peak of spiritual observance during the holy month.
Timing that contradicts the spirituality of the last ten days
This debate arises due to the profound significance of the last ten days of Ramadan for Muslims in general, and Saudi society in particular. The first date (the 27th of Ramadan) coincides with one of the odd-numbered nights on which Muslims seek Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), and it witnesses a surge in mosque attendance for the night prayers (Qiyam). The second date (the 28th of Ramadan) often coincides with the night of the Quran's completion in the Two Holy Mosques and many other mosques throughout the Kingdom, a night marked by a comprehensive spiritual and social mobilization. This makes watching sporting events at this time a difficult choice for many fans who are keen to dedicate these spiritual moments to worship.
The most prestigious trophies and scheduling challenges
The King's Cup holds immense importance as the most prestigious and coveted domestic competition. The winner enjoys the honor of meeting the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in addition to receiving substantial financial prizes and securing a place in Asian championships. Given this significance, observers always expect the dates of crucial matches to be carefully chosen to ensure large crowds and high television viewership, without forcing fans to choose between their passion for football and their religious and social obligations on these nights that come only once a year.
Contrary to previous trends
What intensified the criticism was the apparent contradiction with previously announced policies of the Saudi Football Federation and the Saudi Professional League. In previous seasons, specifically last February, the scheduling of several matches was adjusted to ensure they did not clash with prayer times, thus reinforcing religious values and respecting religious observances. Therefore, the decision to schedule matches as significant as the Cup semi-finals during Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers raises legitimate questions about the criteria used by the competitions committee to balance the busy sporting calendar with the religious observances of Saudi society during these blessed days.
