Saudi Pro League raises foreign player limit but bars Under-21 imports from Roshn action

The Saudi Pro League has approved an increase in the number of foreign players allowed in senior squads to 10, but overseas players registered with Under-21 teams will not be permitted to feature in the Roshn Saudi League under new regulations.

The Saudi Professional League announced that, from the new season, clubs may register 10 foreign players in a 25-man first-team squad for the Roshn Saudi League, following a coordination meeting with club representatives held last Sunday.

However, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, the updated rules introduce a key restriction: foreign players registered in Under-21 squads and competing in the Juwi Elite League will be ineligible to play for their clubs’ first teams in Roshn League matches.

Clarification on cup eligibility to follow

The report adds that the league has informed clubs it will set out, within the next two days, the detailed mechanism governing the participation of foreign Under-21 players in the King’s Cup (Crown Prince’s Cup – officially كاس خادم الحرمين الشريفين) and the Saudi Super Cup.

These clarifications are expected to define whether foreign players listed with Under-21 sides can be called up for those two domestic cup competitions, and under what conditions, without affecting the new restrictions placed on their involvement in the Roshn Saudi League.

Last season’s regulations had been more flexible. Any foreign player was allowed to take part in both the King’s Cup and the Saudi Super Cup, whether they were registered with the first team or the Under-21 squad, provided that no more than 10 foreign players appeared in any given match.

That cap of 10 foreign players per match was set out in Article 5/1 of the competition rules concerning player eligibility, and applied across both cup tournaments.

Background: Juwi Elite League and recent champions

The Juwi Elite League serves as the top competition for Under-21 teams in Saudi Arabia and forms a key part of the development pathway for young players, including overseas recruits.

Al-Hazem claimed the Juwi Elite League title last season, winning the championship after defeating Al-Fateh 3-1 in the final. The decisive match was played in Al-Ahsa on 23 May.

The latest adjustments to squad rules come amid continued efforts by the Saudi Professional League to refine its regulations around foreign player recruitment and matchday eligibility, balancing the desire to attract overseas talent with the development of domestic players and younger age groups.