Saudi Pro League Considers Moving Riyadh Derby to King Fahd Stadium

The Saudi Pro League is considering moving the highly anticipated Riyadh Derby between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal to King Fahd Sports City Stadium, according to a report by Arriyadiyah.

The match is currently scheduled for December 11 as part of matchday 17 of the Saudi Pro League season. Al-Nassr is the designated home team, with the fixture originally expected to take place at Al-Awwal Park, the club’s regular home ground.

King Fahd Sports City Stadium is now being considered as an alternative venue as part of preparations for next year’s AFC Asian Cup. The stadium is expected to host the derby as an operational test before the continental tournament begins.

The 2027 AFC Asian Cup is scheduled to take place from January 7 to February 5 next year. King Fahd Sports City Stadium is due to stage four matches during the tournament, including the final.

Sources cited by Arriyadiyah said the Ministry of Sports has instructed the Saudi Pro League to coordinate arrangements for the Riyadh Derby at the stadium. The proposed move would allow officials to assess whether the upgraded venue is ready to host major matches before the Asian Cup.

The operational test would cover several areas of the stadium. Officials are expected to assess the condition of the playing surface, lighting systems, electronic scoreboards and crowd movement. The readiness of the stands, ongoing construction work and other facilities would also be reviewed.

The Riyadh Derby is viewed as an important test because of the large crowds and high level of attention generated by meetings between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal. A successful event would give organisers valuable experience in managing spectators, security and stadium operations ahead of the Asian Cup.

The Saudi Pro League is expected to contact Al-Nassr to discuss the proposed venue change and make the necessary arrangements. Despite the possible move, the club would retain its home-team privileges for the fixture.

No final decision has yet been announced, and preparations remain subject to coordination between the league, the club and sports authorities.

The proposed switch would give King Fahd Sports City Stadium an early opportunity to demonstrate its readiness for the Asian Cup. Holding one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest domestic fixtures at the venue would also provide officials with a realistic test under the pressure of a major sporting occasion.