Saudi press sources have announced an unexpected surprise regarding the officiating crew that will lead the classic match between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad in the Round of 16 of the King Abdulaziz Cup, scheduled for October 28 at Al-Awwal Park in the capital, Riyadh.

The Al-Riyadiyah newspaper clarified that the administrations of Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad did not submit any official request to the Saudi Football Federation to bring in a foreign officiating crew for the anticipated match, which means that the game will be managed entirely by local referees.

According to the regulations governing the competition, requests for foreign referees must be submitted at least 14 days before the match date, and with only nine days remaining, it is now certain that a Saudi crew will be appointed to manage this major football event.

This decision adds a special character to the classic match, which is considered one of the strongest encounters of the season, as it brings together two of the most prominent Saudi teams in an early battle for a ticket to the quarter-finals of the most prestigious tournament.

The Al-Nassr team secured its qualification to this round after a significant victory over Jeddah with a score of 4-0, while Al-Ittihad narrowly overcame Al-Wahda with a 1-0 victory, setting up a highly anticipated clash on all levels.

The Saudi Football Federation is expected to announce the official local officiating crew for the match in the coming days, as speculation increases regarding the identity of the main referee who will lead one of the most exciting encounters of the current season.