The Saudi Pro League has rescheduled three Matchweek 9 fixtures, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr clash against Al Ahli, amid heightened security concerns following missile attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement.
The decision affects three matches involving some of Saudi Arabia’s leading clubs, with Al Riyadh versus Al Hilal and Al Ittihad versus Al Shabab moved to December 19, 2026, while Al Ahli’s meeting with Al Nassr has been rescheduled for March 6, 2027.
According to the league’s announcement on Tuesday, October 13, the changes were made to accommodate logistical requirements and mandatory minimum rest periods between matches.
Although the postponements came amid escalating tensions following Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, the Saudi Pro League officially cited scheduling and operational considerations as the reasons for rearranging the fixtures.
The league confirmed that the remaining Matchweek 9 matches would proceed according to the previously announced schedule.
The decision comes after a series of missile attacks attributed to the Houthis raised security concerns across the kingdom, including in the capital, Riyadh.
The escalating conflict has affected sporting activities and other major events in Saudi Arabia, with organisers reviewing arrangements amid concerns about the safety of participants and spectators.
On Monday, October 12, Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite match against Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana was delayed by approximately an hour following a security alert in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense issued warnings after the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting ballistic missiles launched towards the capital.
The match eventually went ahead at Al Awwal Park, where Al Nassr secured a 3-1 victory. Angelo Gabriel opened the scoring before Ronaldo doubled the advantage shortly before half-time. Neftchi reduced the deficit through Alisher Odilov, but an own goal later sealed the victory for the Saudi side.
The disruption highlighted the security concerns surrounding sporting events as tensions intensified.
The latest postponements will particularly disappoint supporters anticipating the meeting between Al Ahli and Al Nassr, two prominent clubs competing for domestic honours.
The fixture had attracted attention because of the rivalry between the teams and the prospect of Ronaldo leading Al Nassr against Al Ahli, the reigning Asian champions.
Moving the match to March 6, 2027, means supporters will have to wait several months longer for the encounter.
The other two rearranged fixtures will also affect the competition’s schedule, with Al Hilal’s visit to Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad’s meeting with Al Shabab now scheduled for December 19.
The revised dates reflect the league’s stated intention to manage player recovery periods and operational requirements while maintaining the broader competition calendar.
Meanwhile, the security situation has prompted wider concern about Saudi Arabia’s ability to host major international sporting events amid the regional conflict.
On Wednesday, organisers of the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition announced that the tournament, originally scheduled for October, would be postponed until December 27 to 30, 2026, citing organisational and logistical challenges following the attacks.
The developments demonstrate how the escalating conflict has created uncertainty for sporting events in the kingdom, although individual organisers have announced different reasons and arrangements for their decisions.
For the Saudi Pro League, the immediate priority is to accommodate the revised fixtures while ensuring that the remaining matches proceed according to the approved schedule.
The league has not announced any further changes to the other Matchweek 9 fixtures.
