Saudi Pro League delays youth registration rule to 2028-29 after club backlash | OneFootball

The Saudi Pro League has postponed the introduction of Article 13.1 on youth registration. The rule, which restricts the additional list of young players to Saudi nationals or those born in the Kingdom, will now start in the 2028-2029 season.

The league said in a statement that the delay reflects a wish to work with clubs and give them time to reorganise contracts, in line with policies to develop Saudi football and improve the competitive environment.

It presented the change not as a retreat from the project’s aims but as a transitional period to help clubs adapt, maintain competition stability and protect technical and investment plans.

The update is designed to organise player lists and safeguard the registration mechanism. It also supports the involvement of Saudi players and those born in the Kingdom with first teams and age groups, a pillar of national talent development.

Adopting the new timetable is intended to improve how the decision is applied and balance regulations with club requirements for the league’s long-term growth. Recent days brought rejection and anger from some clubs before the step was taken.

Source: Goal.com