Saudi Pro League clubs ‘to appeal’ over foreign player rule changes | OneFootball

With kick-off less than two weeks away, several Saudi Roshn Pro League clubs are pushing back at new foreign-player rules and want a late rethink.

Asharq Al-Awsat reports clubs have held talks to form a united stance, plan formal objections and could appeal to a higher authority, citing harm to technical plans and youth investment.

The amendments say the extra young-player list must be Saudi, with any non-Saudi on it born in the Kingdom. Foreign youngsters outside that cannot join under-21 squads. Only 10 foreign players may be registered to feature in league matches for the first team.

Several clubs say the changes were approved without final agreement, adding workshops were for exchanging views, not binding rules. Some representatives objected as soon as proposals surfaced.

The league sought to close a loophole. Clubs had registered foreigners in youth or under-21 groups, then called them up when injuries hit, which, in the league’s view, squeezed young Saudis.

Objectors argue the timing could harm competitive integrity because plans and contracts were built on the previous framework.

The league will share within two days how under-21-registered foreigners can be used, and clarify eligibility for the King's Cup and the Saudi Super Cup. Last season, any foreign player could feature, regardless of registration, provided no more than 10 appeared in a match.

The report also said power dynamics have shifted, with big clubs less coordinated and a cluster of others more aligned, helping recent regulatory changes through.

Source: Goal.com