The 2023–24 Saudi Pro League (known as the Roshn Saudi League for sponsorship reasons) was the 48th edition of the Saudi Professional League, the top Saudi professional league for association football clubs, since its establishment in 1976. Fixtures for the 2023–24 season were announced on 15 July 2023.[3]
On 11 May, Al-Hilal secured their record-extending nineteenth league title, with three games to spare, following a 4–1 away win against Al-Hazem, and then they completed the unbeaten season 16 days later.[7][8][9][10] Coincidentally, Al-Hazem were the first team to be relegated following that 4–1 home defeat.[11] In the final matchday, both Abha and Al-Tai were relegated following defeats to Al-Hazem and Al-Okhdood respectively.[12]
Overview
Changes
On 14 April 2022, the Saudi FF announced that the number of teams would increase to 18 starting from the 2023–24 season. Therefore, only two teams would be relegated from the 2022–23 Saudi Pro League instead of the usual three, and four teams would be promoted from the 2022–23 Saudi First Division League.[13]
Locations of teams in the 2023–24 Saudi Pro League
18 teams competed in the league – the top 14 teams from the previous season and the 4 teams promoted from the FD League.
Teams who were promoted to the Pro League
On 5 May 2023, Al-Ahli became the first team to be promoted, following Al-Faisaly's 2–2 draw with Najran.[15] They were crowned champions following a 1–0 win against Al-Qadsiah on 23 May 2023.[16] Al-Ahli played in the top flight of Saudi football after a season's absence and played in their 47th season in the top flight.
The second club to be promoted was Al-Okhdood, who were promoted after Al-Faisaly's 2–2 draw with Jeddah on 15 May 2023.[17] Al-Okhdood played in the top flight of Saudi football for the first time in history. Al-Okhdood became the 37th side to participate in the Saudi Pro League since its inception.
The third club to be promoted was Al-Riyadh, who were promoted following a 1–0 home win against Al-Orobah on 16 May 2023.[18] Al-Riyadh returned to the top flight for the first time since getting relegated in the 2004–05 season. Al-Riyadh played in their 24th season in the top flight.
The fourth and final club to be promoted was Al-Hazem, who were promoted following a 3–2 win against Al-Sahel on 17 May 2023.[19] Al-Hazem played in the top flight of Saudi football after a season's absence and played in their 10th season in the top flight.
Teams who were relegated to the FD League
Al-Batin were the first club to be relegated, following a 1–0 defeat away to Al-Ittihad on 23 May 2023.[20] 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.[21] Al-Adalah were relegated after just one year in the top flight.
Clubs can register a total of eight foreign players over the course of the season. Before the summer transfer window closed, there is no foreigners limit. The definitive list of the eight foreign players will be available at the end of the summer transfer window.[13]
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.
Players from other countries who were born in Saudi Arabia are counted as homegrown/local players.
Source: SPL 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).[62] (C) Champions; (R) Relegated Notes:
^ abAl-Shabab finished ahead of Al-Fayha on overall goal difference: Al-Shabab +3, Al-Fayha −8 (Al-Fayha 0–1 Al-Shabab, Al-Shabab 2–3 Al-Fayha).
The following table lists the positions of teams after each week of matches. In order to preserve the 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.
Source: SPL Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win. For upcoming matches, an "a" indicates there is an article about the rivalry between the two participants.
