SAFF Publishes 2024-2025 Women’s Football League Schedule

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Competitions Committee has announced the official schedule for the 2024-2025 Women’s First Division League, introducing a full home-and-away format to replace the previous region-based structure. The season will feature ten teams competing in 90 matches across 18 rounds, marking a significant step in the development of women’s football in the Kingdom.

Context and Background

The shift to a home-and-away format represents a major expansion of the women’s football league system in Saudi Arabia. This change is part of SAFF’s ongoing efforts to professionalize the sport and align with the Kingdom’s broader sports development goals under Vision 2030. The new structure allows for more competitive balance and increased fan engagement across the country.

Key Details

The league features ten clubs: Al Riyadh, Abha, Al Angaa, Al Hamma, Jeddah, NEOM, Al Shoulla, United Eagles, Albayraq, and Al Wehda. SAFF has also revised the prize structure, with the champion receiving SAR 750,000, the runner-up SAR 500,000, and the third-place team SAR 350,000. This increased financial incentive is designed to elevate competition and attract greater investment.

In the previous season, AlUla won the title and earned promotion to the Women’s Premier League for the 2024-2025 season. Al Taraji and Al Amal also advanced after finishing second and third, respectively. The new season builds on this momentum, offering broader opportunities for clubs nationwide.

International Impact and Growth

The expansion of women’s football in Saudi Arabia has drawn international attention, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to gender inclusion and sports development. By adopting a home-and-away format, SAFF aligns with global football standards, making the league more attractive to investors, sponsors, and international media. This development also supports the growth of grassroots football and youth participation across the Kingdom.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The 2024-2025 Women’s First Division League schedule underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to advancing women’s sports as part of the Vision 2030 framework. By professionalizing women’s football and increasing financial rewards, the Kingdom is fostering a vibrant sports ecosystem that empowers women, promotes healthy lifestyles, and strengthens its global sporting profile. This initiative contributes directly to the vision of a dynamic, diversified society.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Saudi Arabian Football Federation?

A1. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) is the governing body for football in Saudi Arabia, responsible for organizing national leagues and tournaments for both men and women.

Q2. What is the Women’s First Division League?

A2. The Women’s First Division League is the second-tier women’s football league in Saudi Arabia, serving as a pathway to the top-tier Women’s Premier League.

Q3. How many teams are competing in the 2024-2025 season?

A3. Ten teams are competing this season: Al Riyadh, Abha, Al Angaa, Al Hamma, Jeddah, NEOM, Al Shoulla, United Eagles, Albayraq, and Al Wehda.

Q4. What is the format for the new season?

A4. The league will use a full home-and-away format, meaning each team plays every other team twice, once at home and once away, replacing the previous region-based structure.

Q5. How many matches will be played in total?

A5. The season will consist of 90 matches spread over 18 rounds, with each team playing 18 matches.

Q6. What is the cash prize for the champion?

A6. The champion will receive a cash prize of SAR 750,000, significantly increased from previous seasons to incentivize competition.

Q7. What are the prizes for the second and third-place teams?

A7. The second-place team will receive SAR 500,000, and the third-place team will receive SAR 350,000.

Q8. Who won the Women’s First Division League last season?

A8. AlUla won the title in the previous season and secured promotion to the Women’s Premier League for the 2024-2025 season.

Q9. Which other teams were promoted last season?

A9. Al Taraji and Al Amal also earned promotion after finishing second and third, respectively, in the previous season.

Q10. Why did SAFF change the league format?

A10. SAFF changed to a home-and-away format to enhance competitiveness, provide more matches for players and fans, and align with international football standards.

Q11. What is Vision 2030?

A11. Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s strategic framework to diversify the economy, develop public services, and improve quality of life, including through sports development.

Q12. How does women’s football support Vision 2030?

A12. Women’s football empowers women, promotes health, and supports the Vision 2030 goal of creating a vibrant society with increased participation in sports.

Q13. Is NEOM a new team in the league?

A13. Yes, NEOM is one of the participating teams, reflecting the growing interest in football from major Saudi development projects like the NEOM megacity.

Q14. How can fans follow the Women’s First Division League?

A14. Fans can follow matches through SAFF’s official website and social media channels, which provide schedules, results, and live updates.

Q15. What is the role of the SAFF Competitions Committee?

A15. The SAFF Competitions Committee is responsible for setting match schedules, enforcing rules, and overseeing the league’s operations to ensure fair play.

Q16. Are there any international players in the league?

A16. The league may include international players, as SAFF encourages foreign talent to raise the competitive level and bring diverse skills to Saudi clubs.

Q17. How does the home-and-away format benefit players?

A17. This format provides players with more match experience, consistent travel routines, and the chance to play in different stadiums, improving their overall development.

Q18. What impact does the league have on youth football?

A18. The league inspires young girls to take up football, creating pathways from grassroots to professional levels and increasing participation in sports.

Q19. How does SAFF ensure the quality of the league?

A19. SAFF enforces professional standards, invests in training for match officials, and works with clubs to improve facilities and coaching to maintain high quality.

Q20. What are the future plans for women’s football in Saudi Arabia?

A20. SAFF aims to expand the number of teams, increase professional contracts, and develop youth academies to further grow women’s football and achieve Vision 2030 goals.

---