A player makes a goal attempt.

KUWAIT CITY, June 25: The Kuwait Handball Federation has announced that the 2025–2026 sports season will begin in early or mid-September, allowing clubs and national teams ample time to prepare for key international events. These include the Islamic Solidarity Games, scheduled for November in Riyadh, and the Asian Championship, which Kuwait will host in January.

The decision was revealed by the Federation's Secretary-General, Qaid Al-Adwani, during the Extraordinary General Assembly held two days ago.

Al-Adwani explained that the upcoming season features a packed calendar both domestically and internationally. Starting early ensures better preparation and maximizes the chances of successful participation for clubs and national teams.

Al-Adwani also announced that Tadamoon has officially requested to withdraw from participating in the general category competitions. This makes it the third club to withdraw, following the continued absence of Al-Jahra and Al-Shabab for a third consecutive season.

The league system for the new season will follow a two-tier format:

Premier League (Three Divisions):

8 Clubs: Kuwait Club, Burgan, Kazma, Sulaibikhat, Salmiya, Al-Arabi, and newly promoted Qadsia SC and Al-Nasr SC.

First Division (Two or Three Divisions):

5 Clubs: Al-Qurain, Khaitan, Yarmouk, Fahaheel, and Al-Sahel.

Joined by the national youth team to complete the division structure.

The exact number of divisions in the First Division Championship will be determined based on the final number of participating clubs.

Starting from the 2025–2026 season, clubs will be permitted to register three foreign professional players, a move previously approved by the Federation’s Board of Directors. According to Al-Adwani:

All three players will be included on the official match scoresheet.

Only two foreign professionals can participate on the court at any time.

The third professional will serve as a substitute on the bench, available for in-game rotations.

Al-Adwani expressed optimism that this policy will elevate the level of competition and yield positive results in the upcoming season.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/ArabTimes Staff