A file photo of Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr players battling for the ball.

HONG KONG, Aug 18: The 2025 Saudi Super Cup kicks off today in Hong Kong, running from August 19 to 23, featuring Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Qadsia, and Al-Ahli.

The tournament opens with a clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, followed tomorrow by Qadsia taking on Al-Ahli. The winners of both matches will advance to the final on August 23.

Al-Ahli was included in this year’s Super Cup after Al-Hilal withdrew from the competition. The Saudi Football Federation promptly decided to replace Al-Hilal with Al-Ahli, who finished fifth in the Roshen League.

Al-Riyadiya reported that the federation recently approved an urgent amendment to its competition regulations, introducing a clause on withdrawals. The new rule allows the federation to seek financial compensation from any club that withdraws for damages caused.

This decision follows Al-Hilal’s official withdrawal in July. While the federation accepted the club’s apology, the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee imposed a ban on Al-Hilal from participating in the 2026-2027 Super Cup and fined the club 500,000 Saudi Riyals.

With Al-Ahli stepping in, the 2025 Saudi Super Cup promises an exciting showdown as the tournament gets underway in Hong Kong.