Al Ahli’s preparations for the upcoming Saudi Super Cup final were thrown into chaos this week, only to be salvaged at the eleventh hour by a specific AFC rule. The club faced the devastating prospect of losing their key midfielder, Gabri Veiga, for the crucial match against Al Hilal.
The crisis began when Veiga received a call-up to the Spanish U-23 national team for a training camp in Marbella, scheduled from March 18 to March 26. This period directly clashed with the Saudi Super Cup, which takes place in Abu Dhabi on April 8, 2024. Initial reports indicated Al Ahli would be forced to release the player for international duty, leaving a massive gap in their midfield.
However, the Jeddah club found a lifeline in the Asian Football Confederation’s regulations. According to the rules, clubs are only obligated to release players for the official FIFA international windows. The Spanish U-23 gathering is categorized as a friendly training camp, falling outside the mandated release period. This technicality allowed Al Ahli to formally refuse Veiga’s release, a decision backed by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
This intervention is a major relief for coach Matthias Jaissle. Veiga has been instrumental in Al Ahli’s campaign, making his absence for a cup final unthinkable. The resolution ensures the team will be at full strength as they seek to claim the season’s first major trophy against their arch-rivals.
The situation highlights the delicate balance clubs must strike between national team commitments and domestic obligations. For Al Ahli, a strict interpretation of the AFC statutes has provided a clear path forward, turning potential disaster into focused preparation for their showdown with Al Hilal.
