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Refereeing Controversy in The SPL Following Al Fayha vs Al Ahli Clash

Sportsdunia Desk

Published - Apr 09, 2026, 07:09 AM

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Refereeing Controversy In The SPL Following Al Ahli vs Al Fayha Clash?

Summary

Al Ahli players and management have raised objections to refereeing decisions following the recent 1-1 draw against Al Fayha in the Saudi Pro League.
The club has released a statement on social media underlining the controversial calls that denied the club key goal-scoring opportunities.
Ivan Toney and several other Al-Ahli players have since called out the officials after seeing three penalty shouts turned away during the clash.

Controversy regarding refereeing and VAR decisions has struck the Saudi Pro League (SPL) once again following the conclusion of the Al Fayha vs Al Ahli matchweek 29 game. A clash, which ended 1-1 on April 8 at the Al Majma'ah Sports City Stadium, has left several players like Ivan Toney frustrated as the result means they have lost ground in the SPL title race to Al Hilal and Al Nassr.

According to talkSPORT senior journalist Ben Jacobs, Toney alleges calls are being made to help Al Nassr win the SPL title this term. The former Brentford striker was also reportedly quoted as saying:

""It's actually crazy how you can miss things like this in crucial moments or chose to turn a blind eye... It's clear what is being influenced here…Also with the referee telling us to concentrate on a different competition while VAR is going on is beyond me.", Toney said.

Al Ahli Releases Statement Following Al Fayha Clash

The Jeddah-based club also issued a press release following the encounter, underlining the influential refereeing errors but also its direct effects on the course of the match, its final result, and ultimately the team's position in the competition. Al Ahli has demanded that the SPL hear all the conversations that transpired between the referees and the VAR officials and called on the league to protect the fairness and integrity of competition.

The club has also posted videos showcasing the three controversial moments on their official X account, clearly describing the lapses in decisions made by the referees and VAR officials. It will be interesting to see how the SPL responds to this recent controversy and brings a swift resolution for all parties.

What is Happening in the Saudi Pro League Title Race?

The SPL title race just got more interesting following Al Ahli draw against Al Fayha in matchweek 29. As things stand, Al Nassr sits atop the standings with 70 points following 27 league games, two points ahead of Al Hilal, who have played 28 games and sits at 68 points in second place.

Al Ahli's recent draw away from home sees them fall away to third with 66 points after 28 league games. A win for the league leaders, led by one of the greatest footballers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, will see Al Nassr enjoy a five-point cushion over Al Hilal.