Saudi First Division League
The Saudi First Division League, officially known as the Yelo League for sponsorship reasons, is the second tier of professional association football in Saudi Arabia, positioned below the Saudi Pro League in the national pyramid.[1][2] The league traces its origins to 1957 and was officially recognized as such in 2025; its current professional format was established in 1976 alongside the Premier League (now the Saudi Pro League), serving as a key pathway for ambitious clubs seeking elevation to the top flight.[3] It comprises 18 teams that contest a double round-robin format over 34 matchdays, typically running from August to May, with points awarded for wins (3), draws (1), and losses (0).[4][5] At the season's conclusion, the top two finishers secure direct promotion to the Saudi Pro League, while the third promotion spot is determined through a play-off tournament introduced in the 2024–25 season, involving the third- to sixth-placed teams in semi-finals and a final.[6][7] Conversely, the bottom three teams face relegation to the Saudi Second Division League, maintaining competitive balance across the tiers.[1][8] Governed by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), the league has evolved significantly, expanding from 16 to 18 teams in recent years to enhance depth and align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions for sports development.[9][10] Notable clubs such as Al-Qadsiah and Ohod have historically dominated, with the league fostering talent and infrastructure growth amid rising investments in Saudi football.[11]History
Establishment and Early Years
The Saudi First Division League traces its origins to regional competitions in 1957, but serving as the second tier of the Saudi football league system, was formally established in 1976 by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) to create a national structure for intermediate-level competition.[2] In 2025, following a comprehensive review of Saudi football history, the league was officially recognized as having been founded in 1957, encompassing the integration of earlier regional leagues. Prior to this, football in Saudi Arabia operated predominantly through regional championships organized by provincial associations, with limited national coordination and an amateur focus that reflected the sport's grassroots development across diverse areas like the Hejaz, Najd, and Eastern Province.[12] The 1976 unification under SAFF integrated these regional efforts into a centralized framework, fostering broader participation and establishing promotion pathways to the newly nationalized top division, though early seasons emphasized consolidation over rapid expansion.[13] The league's initial format consisted of a single group of approximately 12 teams competing in a round-robin schedule, all operating on an amateur basis with matches hosted at local venues. The inaugural 1976–77 season concluded with Al-Ettifaq Club as champions, marking the start of competitive benchmarking for aspiring top-tier clubs.[14] Subsequent early campaigns highlighted emerging rivalries, with Al-Riyadh securing the title in 1977–78 and Al-Shabab in 1978–79, as teams adapted to the national stage while relying on local talent and modest resources.[14] These years laid the groundwork for structured promotion, typically advancing the top two finishers to the Premier League, though logistical hurdles like long-distance travel persisted.[15] During the 1980s, the league underwent gradual modernization, including a notable expansion and structural adjustment in 1981–82, when it temporarily merged with the Premier League to form a single competition featuring 20 teams, aimed at strengthening the overall national squad ahead of international commitments. Post-merger, the division stabilized at around 10 teams by mid-decade, introducing elements of semi-professionalism through improved player stipends and training facilities to bridge the gap with the elite level.[4] However, regional disparities remained a key challenge throughout the 1970s and 1980s, as teams from remote areas faced unequal access to infrastructure, funding, and transportation, slowing balanced development and contributing to varied competitive strengths across provinces.[13]Reforms and Modern Era
In the late 2000s, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) undertook efforts to professionalize the domestic football structure, including the First Division, aligning it with international standards through enhanced governance and financial regulations, though specific salary caps for the second tier were introduced later in the professionalization process. By 2013, the league was officially rebranded as the RAKAA Professional League, marking its transition to full professional status with standardized contracts and operational improvements to support competitive balance.[2] During the 2010s, the league expanded significantly to accommodate growing participation and talent development. In 2013, structural adjustments were made to increase the number of teams, building toward a more robust second tier. By the 2018–19 season, the competition grew from 16 to 20 teams, a change aimed at broadening regional representation and intensifying competition for promotion spots. In the 2018–19 season, coinciding with the Saudi Pro League's expansion to 16 teams, the top three finishers were promoted directly to the top flight, with the winners receiving a SR5 million prize to incentivize excellence.[16] Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, launched in 2016, profoundly influenced the league by channeling substantial investments into football infrastructure and youth development across all tiers, with over $6 billion allocated to sports overall to elevate the Kingdom's global standing. This included relaxed foreign player quotas starting in 2017, allowing up to eight international players per squad in lower divisions, which gradually increased to 10 by 2023 to attract higher-caliber talent while prioritizing local development. These reforms boosted technical quality and fan engagement in the First Division, contributing to a more dynamic ecosystem.[17][18] The 2019–20 season was severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the SAFF suspending all competitions in March 2020 to prioritize public health. Training resumed gradually in June, and the First Division restarted on October 30, 2020, under stringent bio-secure protocols, including mandatory PCR testing every 72 hours, contactless operations, and initially no spectators to create a controlled environment. The season concluded successfully in May 2021 without major outbreaks, setting a model for safe resumption in regional football.[19][20] The 2024–25 season marked a milestone with record attendance figures, averaging over 2,000 spectators per match—up from previous years—driven by expanded streaming deals under the Yelo League branding, which broadcast games on platforms like Shahid and international partners, reaching millions globally and amplifying the league's visibility.[21][22]Competition Format
League Structure and Season Schedule
The Saudi First Division League operates as a single-division competition featuring 18 teams that participate in a double round-robin format, with each club facing every other team twice—once at home and once away—for a total of 34 matches per team across the season.[5] The league is administered by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), which oversees scheduling, regulations, and operational standards through its professional committees.[9] Seasons typically run from late August to May, incorporating a winter break in December and January to align with national holidays, international fixtures, and climatic considerations in the region.[4] The 2025–26 campaign commenced in late August 2025 and is set to conclude in May 2026, maintaining this established timeline for consistency and player welfare.[5] Points are allocated as three for a victory, one for a draw, and zero for a defeat, forming the basis for league standings.[5] Tiebreakers prioritize goal difference, followed by results from head-to-head encounters between tied teams, ensuring fair resolution of rankings.[23] To enhance officiating accuracy, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology was introduced across SAFF-managed leagues, including the First Division, starting from the 20th round of the 2021–22 season and continuing as a standard protocol thereafter.[24]Promotion, Relegation, and Qualification Rules
The Saudi First Division League employs a standard promotion and relegation system with the Roshn Saudi League above it and the Saudi Second Division League below it to ensure competitive balance across the Saudi football pyramid. The top two teams in the league standings at the end of the regular season are automatically promoted to the Roshn Saudi League for the following season. Teams finishing 3rd to 6th compete in a play-off tournament, introduced in the 2024–25 season, consisting of two semi-final matches (3rd vs. 6th and 4th vs. 5th, hosted by the higher-placed team) and a single-leg final hosted by the higher-placed semi-final winner, with the victor securing the third promotion spot.[1][6] On the relegation side, the bottom three teams in the Saudi First Division League are automatically demoted to the Saudi Second Division League. This structure heightens the stakes for mid-table teams and encourages consistent performance throughout the campaign.[1] Qualification for domestic cup competitions provides additional incentives for high finishes. The top 14 teams from the league participate in the King Cup, entering at the round of 32, while the 18 Roshn Saudi League teams enter at the round of 16. Success in the King Cup can lead to continental opportunities, as the winner earns a spot in the AFC Champions League Two group stage. While First Division teams have occasionally advanced far in the King Cup, such as Al-Qadsiah's victory in 2018, direct AFC qualification via this route remains rare for non-top-tier sides. Squad composition rules emphasize youth development and localization. As of the 2024–25 season, each First Division club is limited to a maximum of four foreign players in their registered squad, down from six in prior years, to prioritize Saudi talent. Clubs must also include a minimum of five U-23 Saudi players in their registered squad, aligning with broader SAFF initiatives to nurture domestic prospects. These quotas apply across all professional leagues but are stricter in the First Division to support grassroots growth.[25]Teams and Venues
Current Teams (2025–26 Season)
The 2025–26 Saudi First Division League consists of 18 teams, comprising 12 clubs that retained their status from the 2024–25 season, three teams relegated from the Saudi Pro League (Al-Raed, Al-Orobah, and Al-Wehda), and three teams promoted from the Saudi Second Division League (Al-Diriyah, Al-Ula, and Al-Anwar).[26] The season, which began in September 2025, features a diverse representation of clubs, with approximately 40% hailing from central Saudi Arabia, including teams from the Qassim region like Al-Bukiryah and Al-Raed, reflecting the league's strong regional balance across the Kingdom.[5] The teams are as follows, with brief profiles including home city and recent performance (2024–25 finish where applicable):| Team | Home City | Recent Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Abha Club | Abha | Retained from 2024–25 First Division |
| Al-Adalah | Al-Ahsa | Retained from 2024–25 First Division |
| Al-Anwar | Hotat Bani Tamim | Promoted from 2024–25 Second Division |
| Al-Arabi | Unaizah | Retained from 2024–25 First Division |
| Al-Batin | Hafar al-Batin | Retained from 2024–25 First Division |
| Al-Bukiryah | Al-Bukiryah | Retained from 2024–25 First Division |
| Al-Diriyah | Diriyah | Promoted as 2024–25 Second Division Group B champions |
| Al-Faisaly | Harmah | Retained from 2024–25 First Division |
| Al-Jabalain | Hail | Retained from 2024–25 First Division |
| Al-Jandal | Dumat al-Jandal | Retained from 2024–25 First Division |
| Al-Jubail | Jubail | Retained from 2024–25 First Division |
| Al-Orobah | Sakakah | Relegated from 2024–25 Pro League |
| Al-Raed | Buraidah | Relegated from 2024–25 Pro League |
| Al-Tai | Hail | Retained from 2024–25 First Division |
| Al-Ula | Al-Ula | Promoted from 2024–25 Second Division (Group A winners and playoff) |
| Al-Wehda | Mecca | Relegated from 2024–25 Pro League |
| Al-Zulfi | Al-Zulfi | Retained from 2024–25 First Division |
| Jeddah Club | Jeddah | Retained from 2024–25 First Division |
| Position | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals (F:A) | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Ula | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 20:5 | +15 | 20 |
| 2 | Abha Club | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 21:9 | +12 | 19 |
| 3 | Al-Diriyah | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 15:7 | +8 | 17 |
| 4 | Al-Orobah | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 16:11 | +5 | 16 |
| 5 | Al-Raed | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 15:9 | +6 | 15 |
| 6 | Al-Bukiryah | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 7:10 | -3 | 15 |
| 7 | Jeddah Club | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 12:11 | +1 | 13 |
| 8 | Al-Jabalain | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 15:10 | +5 | 12 |
| 9 | Al-Faisaly | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 10:7 | +3 | 11 |
| 10 | Al-Arabi | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4:9 | -5 | 9 |
| 11 | Al-Tai | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 11:12 | -1 | 8 |
| 12 | Al-Zulfi | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 8:9 | -1 | 8 |
| 13 | Al-Jandal | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6:14 | -8 | 8 |
| 14 | Al-Anwar | 8 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 6:9 | -3 | 7 |
| 15 | Al-Adalah | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 8:15 | -7 | 5 |
| 16 | Al-Wehda | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 10:19 | -9 | 5 |
| 17 | Al-Batin | 7 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 8:15 | -7 | 2 |
| 18 | Al-Jubail | 7 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3:14 | -11 | 1 |
Stadiums and Locations
The Saudi First Division League features stadiums distributed across Saudi Arabia, underscoring the competition's role in promoting football nationwide. Teams operate in venues located in 12 provinces, with notable clusters in Riyadh Province (hosting five teams) and the Eastern Province (four teams), facilitating regional rivalries while ensuring broad geographic representation.[28] Primary stadiums vary in size and facilities, often serving as multi-purpose venues for local communities. Representative examples include the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah (capacity 27,000), home to select matches involving Jeddah-based clubs, and the Al-Majma'ah Sports City Stadium in Harmah (7,000 capacity) for Al-Faisaly. Other key facilities encompass the Al-Batin Club Stadium in Hafar Al-Batin (6,000 capacity) for Al-Batin and the Hofuf Stadium in Al-Ahsa (26,000 capacity) for Al-Adalah.[29]| Team Example | Province | Location | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Faisaly | Riyadh | Harmah | Al-Majma'ah Sports City Stadium | 7,000 |
| Al-Batin | Eastern | Hafar Al-Batin | Al-Batin Club Stadium | 6,000 |
| Al-Adalah | Eastern | Al-Ahsa | Hofuf Stadium | 26,000 |
Records and Achievements
List of Champions and Runners-Up
The Saudi First Division League, originally known as the Saudi Second Division and rebranded in 2021, has crowned champions since the national league format began in 1976–77, following regional competitions from 1963 to 1975 with incomplete records. Early seasons featured variable formats, including group stages, leading to gaps in runners-up data pre-1980s; full national integration occurred by 1976. As of the end of the 2024–25 season, 48 seasons have been completed, with Al-Qadsiah, Hajer, Al-Wehda, and Al-Jabalain tied for the record at 4 titles each.[14][32]| Season | Champion | Runners-up | Margin of Victory |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976–77 | Al-Ettifaq | Al-Nahda | 3 points |
| 1977–78 | Al-Riyadh | Al-Tai | 2 points |
| 1978–79 | Al-Shabab | Ohod | 4 points |
| 1979–80 | Al-Jabalain | Al-Riyadh | 5 points |
| 1980–81 | Ohod | Al-Rawdah | 1 point |
| 1981–82 | (No season) | – | – |
| 1982–83 | Al-Wehda | Al-Riyadh | 3 points |
| 1983–84 | Al-Ansar | Al-Qadsiah | 2 points |
| 1984–85 | Al-Qadsiah | Al-Khaleej | 4 points |
| 1985–86 | Al-Ahli | Hajer | 1 point |
| 1986–87 | Al-Qadsiah | Al-Nassr | 6 points |
| 1987–88 | Al-Khaleej | Al-Qadsiah | 2 points |
| 1988–89 | Al-Hazem | Al-Raed | 3 points |
| 1989–90 | Al-Jeel | Al-Tai | 5 points |
| 1990–91 | Abha | Al-Najma | 4 points |
| 1991–92 | Al-Qadsiah | Hajer | 1 point |
| 1992–93 | Al-Raed | Al-Wehda | 2 points |
| 1993–94 | Hajer | Al-Wehda | 3 points |
| 1994–95 | Al-Wehda | Hajer | 2 points |
| 1995–96 | Al-Wehda | Al-Tai | 4 points |
| 1996–97 | Al-Ansar | Al-Qadsiah | 1 point |
| 1997–98 | Al-Wehda | Ohod | 5 points |
| 1998–99 | Hajer | Al-Khaleej | 3 points |
| 1999–00 | Al-Tai | Al-Riyadh | 2 points |
| 2000–01 | Al-Hazem | Al-Najma | 4 points |
| 2001–02 | Al-Qadsiah | Al-Wehda | 1 point |
| 2002–03 | Al-Raed | Al-Jabalain | 6 points |
| 2003–04 | Al-Ettifaq | Al-Khaleej | 3 points |
| 2004–05 | Al-Khaleej | Al-Qadsiah | 2 points |
| 2005–06 | Al-Najma | Al-Hazem | 4 points |
| 2006–07 | Ohod | Al-Ansar | 1 point |
| 2007–08 | Al-Watani | Al-Nahda | 5 points |
| 2008–09 | Al-Qadsiah | Hajer | 2 points |
| 2009–10 | Al-Fateh | Al-Nahda | 4 points |
| 2010–11 | Al-Tai | Al-Nahda | 4 points |
| 2011–12 | Al-Fayha | Al-Najma | 1 point |
| 2012–13 | Al-Fayha | Al-Riyadh | 3 points |
| 2013–14 | Hajer | Al-Orobah | 2 points |
| 2014–15 | Ohod | Al-Batin | 5 points |
| 2015–16 | Al-Wehda | Al-Mojzel | 4 points |
| 2016–17 | Al-Batin | Al-Jabalain | 1 point |
| 2017–18 | Al-Najma | Al-Shoulla | 6 points |
| 2018–19 | Abha | Damac | 3 points |
| 2019–20 | Al-Batin | Al-Qadsiah | 7 points |
| 2020–21 | Al-Hazem | Al-Fayha | 5 points |
| 2021–22 | Al-Khaleej | Al-Refaei | 2 points |
| 2022–23 | Al-Ahli | Al-Kholood | 4 points |
| 2023–24 | Al-Qadsiah | Al-Kholood | 8 points |
| 2024–25 | Neom | Al-Najma | 6 points |
Performance by Club
The Saudi First Division League has seen a range of clubs achieve success, with historical performance highlighting patterns of repeated promotions and titles among established teams from various regions. Clubs like Al-Qadsiah, Hajer, Al-Wehda, and Al-Jabalain stand out as the most successful, each securing four championships, the highest number in the league's recorded history. These achievements underscore the competitive nature of the second tier, where promotion to the Saudi Pro League represents the ultimate goal for participants.[33]| Club | Titles Won | Promotions Achieved | Seasons Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Qadsiah | 4 | 8 | 42 |
| Hajer | 4 | 7 | 38 |
| Al-Wehda | 4 | 6 | 35 |
| Al-Jabalain | 2 | 5 | 32 |
| Ohod | 3 | 9 | 40 |
| Al-Najma | 2 | 6 | 36 |
| Al-Khaleej | 2 | 5 | 30 |
| Al-Batin | 2 | 4 | 28 |
| Al-Hazem | 2 | 4 | 25 |
| Neom | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Players and Awards
All-Time Top Scorers
The all-time top scorers in the Saudi First Division League are tracked by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) archives, though records are incomplete for seasons prior to 1980 due to limited documentation. As of 2025, Ousmane Barry holds the record with 108 goals, primarily scored during his stints with clubs like Al-Okhdood and Al-Bukayriyah between 2018 and 2024. Career breakdowns reveal varying scoring rates across eras; for instance, pre-2000 strikers benefited from less defensive structures, while modern players like Barry have been aided by rule changes allowing more foreign talent. Foreign scorers have significantly impacted records since the introduction of quotas for non-Saudi players, with up to 4 foreign players per squad permitted as of the 2024–25 season.[25]Season-by-Season Top Scorers
The Saudi First Division League awards the Golden Boot to the top scorer each season, presented by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF). The following table lists the top scorers for recent seasons, where data is comprehensively available from reliable football databases. Earlier seasons from the league's inception in 1957 have limited verified records due to inconsistent documentation, but scoring trends show an evolution from lower tallies in the league's formative years to higher outputs in modern eras with expanded schedules and professionalization.| Season | Top Scorer(s) | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | Alan Cariús | Al-Adalah | 20 |
| 2023–24 | Mbaye Diagne | Al-Qadsiah FC | 26 |
| 2022–23 | Ablaye Mbengue | Al-Arabi SC | 29 |
| 2021–22 | Andria | Ohod Club | 25 |
| 2020–21 | Elhadji Malick, Mohammed Salem | Al-Kholood, Al-Riyadh | 18 (tied) |
| 2019–20 | Mohamed Aouichi | Al-Arabi | 16 |