The 2023–24 First Division League (known as the Yelo League for sponsorship reasons) was the third season of the Saudi First Division League after its rebrand, and the 47th season of the Saudi First Division since its establishment in 1976. The season started on 14 August 2023 and concluded on 28 May 2024.[1]
On 6 May, Al-Qadsiah became the first team to be promoted following a 2–2 draw with Ohod.[2] They were crowned champions following a 4–2 win against Al-Najma on 13 May.[3] On 21 May, Al-Kholood and Al-Orobah became the final two clubs to be promoted following wins over Al-Safa and Al-Jabalain respectively.[4]
On 30 April, Al-Taraji became the first team to be relegated after a 4–1 defeat away to Al-Kholood.[5] On 13 May, Hajer became the second team to be relegated following a 2–1 defeat to Al-Faisaly.[6] On 15 May, Al-Qaisumah became the third and the final club to be relegated following a 0–0 draw with Ohod.[7]
Team changes
The following teams have changed division since the 2022–23 season.
A total of 18 teams are contesting the league, including 11 sides from the 2022–23 season, the five promoted teams from the Second Division and the two relegated sides from the Pro League.
Al-Batin were the first club to be relegated following a 1–0 defeat away to Al-Ittihad on 23 May 2023.[8] Al-Batin were relegated after three years in the top flight. Al-Adalah were the second and final club to be relegated following a 2–0 home defeat to Al-Ettifaq on the final matchday.[9] Al-Adalah were relegated after just one year in the top flight. Both Al-Adalah and Al-Batin will play in their 7th season in the FD League.
The first club to be promoted was Al-Najma who did so after a 1–1 draw against Al-Kawkab on 17 March 2023.[10] On 24 March 2023, Al-Taraji became the second club to be promoted despite a 1–0 defeat to Al-Bukiryah.[11] On 31 March 2023, Al-Bukiryah became the third club to be promoted following a 1–0 home win against Al-Diriyah.[12] On 8 April 2023, Al-Safa became the fourth club to be promoted following a 2–1 home win against Wej.[13] The fifth and final club to be promoted was Al-Jandal, who did so following a 4–2 aggregate win over Bisha in the promotion play-offs.[14]
Al-Najma were crowned champions after defeating Al-Taraji 2–1 to win their third title and first since 2010.[15]
Al-Najma return to the First Division League after an absence of 10 years. They return to the league for the first time since the 2012–13 season and will play in their 11th overall season. Al-Bukiryah return after an absence of two seasons and will play in their 3rd overall season in the First Division League. Al-Safa return after an absence of eight years and will play in their 2nd overall season in the First Division League. Both Al-Taraji and Al-Jandal were promoted to the First Division League for the first time in history.
On 1 June 2023, the Saudi FF announced that the number of foreign players was increased from 6 players to 7 players.[30]
Players name in bold indicates the player is registered during the mid-season transfer window.
Players in italics were out of the squad or left the club within the season, after the pre-season transfer window, or in the mid-season transfer window, and at least had one appearance.
Source: goalzz.com Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Total goal difference; 5) Total goals scored; 6) Fair-play points (Note: Head-to-head record is used only after all the matches between the teams in question have been played).[32] (C) Champions; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated Notes:
^ abAl-Batin were awarded a 3–0 win over Al-Ain due to Al-Ain's inability to hold the fixture. In addition, Al-Ain were deducted 3 points for the same reason.[31]
The table lists the positions of teams after each week of matches. In order to preserve chronological evolution, any postponed matches are not included in the round at which they were originally scheduled but added to the full round they were played immediately afterward.
