Saudi FA Challenges AFC Postponement, Dakar Leaves Saudi And Shabab Al Ahli Draw Al Wasl

Hey hey hey, Smashi Sports Fam! 🌟⚽
From an AFC Champions League Elite postponement to a major motorsport calendar change and a Dubai derby in the President’s Cup, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. The Saudi FA has challenged the postponement of Al Nassr’s match against Al Wasl, the Dakar Rally is relocating from Saudi Arabia for 2027, and Shabab Al Ahli have been drawn against Al Wasl in the UAE President’s Cup quarter-finals.

Saudi FA Challenges AFC Postponement Of Al Nassr vs Al Wasl

What Is It About
Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite match against UAE side Al Wasl, scheduled for October 26, has been postponed without a new date. The Saudi Football Federation has challenged the decision, insisting Riyadh was fully prepared to host the match.

Why It Matters
The federation says flight permits, logistics and hosting arrangements were completed, with match officials already in Riyadh. However, UAE reports suggested Al Wasl could not travel because of flight disruptions, raising questions about the circumstances behind the postponement.

What’s Next
The Saudi federation says it will support Al Nassr in any official action to protect its rights. With Al Nassr on three points and Al Wasl still without a point after two matches, the AFC must now find a new date for a fixture that could affect qualification.

Dakar Rally Leaves Saudi Arabia For 2027

What Is It About
The Dakar Rally will leave Saudi Arabia for its 2027 edition after seven consecutive years in the Kingdom. Organisers confirmed the event, originally scheduled for January 1 to 15, will be relocated because of recent regional security developments.

Why It Matters
Saudi Arabia has hosted the off-road endurance rally since 2020, with competitors racing across deserts and challenging terrain. Organisers described the relocation as an exceptional, one-off decision, adding to other disruptions across the Kingdom’s sporting calendar.

What’s Next
The new host country has not been announced, although reports suggest a possible return to Africa. The rally will still take place in 2027, while Saudi Arabia is expected to welcome it back for its 50th edition in 2028.

Shabab Al Ahli Draw Al Wasl In President’s Cup Quarter-Finals

What Is It About
Shabab Al Ahli will face Dubai rivals Al Wasl in the UAE President’s Cup quarter-finals. Shabab Al Ahli reached the last eight after eliminating defending champions Al Ain 3-2 in extra time, while Al Wasl needed penalties to overcome Kalba.

Why It Matters
The draw sets up a major Dubai derby between two clubs also competing in the AFC Champions League Elite. Elsewhere, Al Wahda face Al Jazira, Hatta meet Sharjah and Khorfakkan take on Baniyas.

What’s Next
The UAE Football Association has not yet announced the quarter-final dates or venues. With defending champions Al Ain already eliminated, the competition is guaranteed to crown a new winner this season.

🤖🎙️Tune Into the Smashi Sports AI Podcast for the Latest Insights!

• Don’t miss out on the Smashi Sports AI Podcast in English, where we bring you the latest sports news through the power of AI!

• For our Arabic-Speaking listeners, we’ve got you with game-changing transfers to insider analysis, we’ve got all the updates you need.

SMASHI MOMENTS

• Al Ain head coach Vladimir Ivić has called for automated offside technology in UAE football

• Shocking scenes in the African Boxing Championships 90kg final as Egypt’s Mohamed Hossen was struck after the bell by Uganda’s Aziz Abdul

• Fans get a close look inside King Fahd Stadium, which is almost finished and ready to use

• Shabab Al Ahli’s new signing Juan Bezerra shows the same passion and intensity he showed at his former club Zamalek

 Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe Here