Sadio Mané will miss the Saudi Super Cup final after the Senegalese forward was handed a one-match suspension following his red card in Al Nassr’s semi-final victory over Al Ittihad.
The Saudi Football Association’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee confirmed the decision, citing Article 48-1-1 of its regulations, which imposes an automatic one-match ban for dismissals.
In addition to the suspension, Mané has been fined 10,000 Saudi riyals, a payment that must be made directly to the Federation. The ruling, issued under Article 144 of the same regulations, is final and cannot be appealed.
The decision comes as a major setback for Al Nassr ahead of Saturday’s Super Cup final in Hong Kong, where Cristiano Ronaldo’s side will face Al Ahli.
Mané’s absence will be keenly felt by the Yellow and Blues, particularly given his impact in the semi-final, where he scored in the 2-1 triumph over Al Ittihad before being sent off.
The Senegal international’s suspension leaves Al Nassr without one of their most influential attacking players at a crucial moment in their campaign.
Since his arrival in Saudi Arabia, Mané has been a key figure for the Riyadh-based club, combining experience and attacking flair to strengthen their forward line.
Mané’s sending off in the semi-final, which occurred late in the match, has now overshadowed what had been a significant performance from the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star.
His goal helped set up Al Nassr’s route to the final, but his disciplinary setback means the team will need to find alternative attacking solutions against a strong Al Ahli side.
For Al Nassr, the suspension represents more than the loss of a player; it forces tactical adjustments for a fixture that was expected to showcase their attacking strength.
With Ronaldo leading the charge, the club will look to others to step up in Mané’s absence as they aim to secure silverware.
The Saudi Super Cup final is set to draw international attention, with Al Nassr and Al Ahli both fielding star-studded squads. However, Mané’s suspension serves as a reminder of how disciplinary actions can significantly influence high-profile fixtures.
Despite the setback, Al Nassr remain determined to claim the title, and much will rest on the team’s ability to adapt without one of their most reliable attacking threats.
For Mané, the suspension is a frustrating blow, as he had been instrumental in guiding his team to the final, only to watch from the sidelines.
