Decisions of the Sports Arbitration Center: Al-Hilal penalized and banned from the Super Cup

The Saudi Sports Arbitration Center has brought to a close one of the most prominent sports cases that has recently captivated the Saudi sports scene, issuing a final and binding ruling in the dispute between Al-Hilal Club and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The Saudi Federation received the ruling yesterday, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, which included significant disciplinary and financial decisions.

Details of the decisions of the Sports Arbitration Center

The ruling overturned the previous Appeals Committee decision and confirmed Al-Hilal Club's violation of Article (3/59) of the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee's regulations. The strict rulings included the following points:

• Financial penalty: Al-Hilal club is obligated to pay the sum of 500,000 Saudi Riyals to the Saudi Football Federation.
• Ban on participation: The club is banned from participating in the Saudi Super Cup for the upcoming 2026/2027 season.
• Deprivation of revenues: Confiscation of any funds that were allocated to the club for its participation in the Super Cup for the 2025/2026 season.
• Costs to be borne: The arbitration fees and administrative expenses of 92,800 riyals will be shared equally between the two parties (46,400 riyals per party).

Legal reference and finality of the ruling

This ruling is based on the statutes of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, specifically Article (61), which grants the Saudi Center for Sports Arbitration supreme and exclusive jurisdiction in sports disputes. The significance of this ruling lies in its finality and the fact that it is not subject to appeal before any other body, whether local or international. This closes the door to any further legal attempts in this case and mandates its immediate implementation.

Strengthening the system of governance and sports justice

This decision comes amidst significant developments in the Saudi Arabian sports sector, where sports institutions are striving to implement the highest standards of governance and transparency in line with the goals of comprehensive sports development. The issuance of such decisions regarding major, popular clubs underscores the independence of the sports judicial system and that regulations are applied equally to all, thus strengthening investor and fan confidence in fair competition.

The impact of the decision on the sports scene

This decision is expected to have a significant impact on the arrangements for the upcoming football season, as one of Saudi Arabia's football powerhouses will be absent from the Super Cup, opening the door to a different kind of competition and altering the landscape of title contenders. Furthermore, the financial penalty and the forfeiture of tournament revenues serve as a clear disciplinary message to all clubs, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to the regulations and bylaws issued by the relevant committees to avoid legal disputes that could result in substantial technical and financial losses.

For its part, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation affirmed its full commitment to implementing the ruling, stressing its complete respect for the decisions of the Sports Arbitration Center as the supreme judicial body, and its continuous endeavor to establish the principles of justice in the sports community.