Saudi Pro League postpones three matches, including Al Nassr, amid Houthi missile threats

The Saudi Pro League announced that three matchweek-nine games will be shifted to new dates because of the escalating Houthi missile threat. Al Hilal’s encounter with Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad’s meeting with Al Shabab are now set for Dec 19, and the Al Ahli versus Al Nassr match, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, has been postponed to Mar 6, 2027. The league said the changes consider logistical factors and the mandatory minimum rest period between matches.

Other matchweek-nine fixtures will proceed as originally scheduled. The postponements come after an AFC Champions League match involving Al Nassr was delayed when a Houthi-launched missile was intercepted over Riyadh. Recent Houthi strikes hit King Khalid International Airport, killing 14 and injuring hundreds, and Saudi civil defence reported one person hurt by falling debris after a missile was shot down. The group continues to target Saudi airports and oil facilities, heightening security concerns for sporting events.