Overview
- The dispute stems from Al‑Ahli’s 1‑1 draw at Al‑Fayha on Wednesday, when a headed clearance struck a defender’s arm in stoppage time and VAR chose not to intervene.
- Al‑Ahli filed an official protest, asking for the referee‑VAR audio and clear explanations for each no‑penalty decision.
- Forward Ivan Toney, coach Matthias Jaissle and others said calls favor leaders Al‑Nassr, and Toney claimed a fourth official told players to focus on the Asian Champions League.
- Reports across the region note that eight Saudi clubs have now issued public complaints about refereeing, pointing to a season‑long pattern and raising integrity concerns.
- The title race remains tight with Al‑Nassr on 70 points, Al‑Hilal on 68 and Al‑Ahli on 66, and there has been no league ruling or release of recordings so far.