AFC threatens Shabab Al-Ahli with expulsion over Al-Hilal match

Shabab Al-Ahli have entered a new crisis ahead of their anticipated match against Al-Hilal, scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, after their management did not respond to the Saudi club's calls regarding the arrangements for receiving the delegation in Al Riyadh.

The Saudi newspaper 'Okaz' reports that the Asian Football Confederation's Disciplinary and Ethics Committee is considering imposing sanctions on Shabab Al-Ahli if they refuse to play the match without a compelling excuse accepted by the regulations.

The tournament regulations state that not playing the match is considered a withdrawal from the entire competition, not just a single match, with the team's results being annulled and a financial penalty of no less than $50,000 imposed.

The regulations allow for the UAE club to be banned from participating in continental competitions for a season or more if it is proven that it withdrew without acceptable justification.

The newspaper reported that Al-Hilal has completed arrangements to welcome the Shabab Al-Ahli delegation, including hotel bookings, providing buses and administrative vehicles, and training pitches. However, the Emirati club's management has not responded to its calls since Sunday.

The absence of a response from Shabab Al-Ahli has prompted the Asian Football Confederation to communicate with its Emirati counterpart to inquire about the reasons behind the lack of engagement, amid reports discussing the unclear timing of their delegation's arrival in Al Riyadh.

The crisis coincided with media reports indicating that Shabab Al-Ahli have submitted an official request to postpone the match, after journalist Mohamed Al-Najiri reported that the club sent a letter to the Asian Football Confederation regarding this matter.

The current crisis began following the postponement of the match between Al-Nassr and Al-Wasl indefinitely due to the UAE team's inability to travel to Saudi Arabia because of flight conditions and security concerns.

The decision has sparked objections from the Saudi side, as the Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced its support for Al-Nassr in taking the necessary legal measures to protect its rights, indicating that arrangements for receiving the Al-Wasl delegation and travel procedures and permits have been completed.

According to 'Okaz', the case of Shandong Taishan from China was cited, which was punished by the Asian Football Confederation in February 2025 with a two-year ban from continental competitions after withdrawing from a match against Ulsan.

The penalties imposed on the Chinese club included a financial fine, as well as requiring them to refund financial dues and compensate the affected team, in an incident that reflects the extent of the consequences that may await Shabab Al-Ahli if they do not face Al-Hilal.