Saudi Pro League postpones Matchweek 13 as clubs await revised calendar

The Saudi Pro League has postponed Matchweek 13 as it reassesses its domestic calendar following the delay to the 2027 Asian Cup. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the league confirmed that the round would be rescheduled as part of a broader review of the 2026-27 season, with clubs still awaiting replacement dates for their affected matches.

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The league said the Asian Cup change had opened up more room in the schedule. Its review will consider how to spread fixtures through the remainder of the campaign while allowing players sufficient time to rest and recover. Clubs will be invited to a workshop to discuss proposed adjustments and provide feedback before the revised programme is finalised.

BBC Sport reported that the decision covers this weekend's entire round of Saudi Pro League games. The broadcaster noted that the league had not described the postponement as a direct consequence of the regional conflict, instead presenting it as a calendar adjustment following the Asian Cup postponement. That distinction matters: the announced reason concerns the distribution of fixtures, rather than a stated decision to suspend domestic football on security grounds.

The continental tournament's proposed new window is December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, according to Associated Press reporting of the Asian Football Confederation's announcement. Those dates still require FIFA approval. The competition had been due to begin on January 7, 2027, and involves 24 national teams. The AFC cited logistical complications and travel disruption linked to developments in the region when explaining why the original arrangements could no longer be maintained.

Other club fixtures have already been affected. BBC Sport reported that three Saudi league matches were postponed last month, with the competition citing minimum rest requirements and logistical needs. It also reported that Al-Wasl did not travel to Saudi Arabia for its continental match against Al-Nassr and that the game would be rearranged.

For Matchweek 13, the next confirmed step is consultation rather than a new kickoff date. The league said it would announce replacement dates once its review was finished and the updated calendar had been agreed with the relevant parties.