RIYADH: The competition department of the Saudi Pro League has officially announced the fixtures for the upcoming 2024-25 Roshan Saudi League season, which is scheduled to start from August 22-24.
The opening weekend sees reigning champions Al-Hilal begin their title defense against Al-Okhdud.
This season will feature 306 matches, carefully scheduled to accommodate international breaks, continental competitions, and Saudi Arabia Football Federation competitions. In particular, no fixtures will be held during the last 10 days of Ramadan, ensuring respect for the holy month.
The league has prioritized player welfare by ensuring a minimum of two days rest between games.
One of the highlights of this season is the introduction of “Magic Rounds”. Scheduled for matchweeks 9 and 26, these special weekends will host exciting derbies in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province, showcasing rivals such as Al-Nasr vs Al-Ahli vs Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal.
The league's fixture list is designed to ensure balanced competition. Each team will play nine home and eight away games in the first half, mirroring the same structure in the second half. Teams will avoid playing more than two consecutive games at home or away, with a maximum of two events allowed per half season.
Clubs from the same city will be paired to guarantee that one team is at home while the other is away, promoting exciting local derbies. In addition, the start and end of the season are synchronized; Teams playing at home in Matchweek 1 will play in Matchweek 34 and vice versa. Each team will play two home and two away games in the last four rounds, ensuring an electrifying finish to the season.
The season opens with a series of compelling matchups.
Al-Shabaab will host Al-Ettifaq, while 2023-24 runners-up Al-Nasr will face Al-Rayyed at home. Newly promoted Al-Orobah will travel to Jeddah to challenge Al-Ahli, and Al-Tawaun will welcome Al-Fayaha. In Ar Ras, Al-Ittihad will compete against newcomers Al-Khulud. Al-Qadsiyah, the 2023-24 First Division League champions, will host Al-Fateh, and Damaq will begin their campaign at home against Al-Khalij, while Al-Riyadh will travel to Makkah to meet Al-Wehda.
Roshan Saudi League Fixtures List. Photo credit: @SPL_EN
The SPL will announce match dates and kick-off times in stages:
July 18: Breakdown for Matchweeks 1 and 2.
August 18: (Subject to AFC draw date) Breakdown of Matchweeks 3 to 8.
September 30: (King's Cup Round of 16 subject to draw date) Breakdown for Matchweeks 9 to 13.
October 31: (Subject to King's Cup quarter-final draw date) Breakdown of matchweeks 14 to 22.
February 22: (subject to AFC Round of 16 draw dates) Breakdown of Matchweeks 23 to 34.
These announcements will be subject to confirmation from the AFC and SAFF of the draw dates for their respective competitions.
As the league gears up for another exciting season, fans can look forward to a calendar full of drama, excitement and unforgettable moments in Saudi football.
