Sports
Shabab Al-Ahli says it is in Riyadh after contact blackout ahead of Al-Hilal clash
November 2, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Coverage
6 reports · over 3 hours
Shabab Al-Ahli announced Monday it had arrived in Riyadh for its AFC Champions League match against Al-Hilal, ending a day of silence over the fixture.
- Shabab Al-Ahli said on X that it was in Riyadh "as we promised you" before Tuesday's round-four match at Kingdom Arena.
- Earlier Monday, the Asian Football Confederation, the Saudi Football Federation, and Al-Hilal failed to reach the club to confirm the delegation's arrival time.
- Saudi newspaper Okaz reported the AFC warned Shabab Al-Ahli that withdrawal would void results, incur a minimum $50,000 fine, and risk a tournament ban.
- Shabab Al-Ahli leads the West group with nine points, level with Al Ain, while Al-Hilal holds six.
- Al-Hilal held its final Monday training session to determine whether injured winger Salem Al-Dawsari can play the match.




