Al-Hilal football club has officially pulled out of the 2025 Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong due to severe player fatigue and leave shortfall. Flight delays and Club World Cup travel reduced annual leave to 21-24 days, breaching SAFF’s minimum 28-day requirement. Medical reviews confirmed “extreme fatigue” after more than a year of back-to-back competition. This move underscores prioritizing player health and contract compliance over participation in exhibition tournaments. The decision marks a rare but growing trend among top-tier clubs: putting player health above short-term trophies. Al-Hilal’s exit removes one of the biggest draws from the Saudi Super Cup, potentially affecting ticket sales, broadcast value, and the event’s international appeal.
