The [Saudi Professional League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Professional_League) announced on Tuesday that three match‑week nine games, including the clash between Al Ahli and [Al Nassr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Nassr_FC), have been postponed because of heightened hostilities with Yemen’s [Houthi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houthi_movement) rebels, with new dates set for December 2026 and March 2027.
**Why were the matches postponed?**
The league cited “logistical considerations, taking into account the mandatory minimum rest period between matches” as the reason for reshuffling the schedule.
**What are the new dates for the affected fixtures?**
- The Al Hilal versus Al Riyadh meeting and the Al Ittihad versus Al Shabab encounter have been moved to 19 December 2026.
- The Al Ahli versus Al Nassr showdown is now slated for 6 March 2027.
**Will other week‑nine games be affected?**
The SPL clarified that all remaining match‑week nine fixtures will proceed according to the previously announced timetable with no alterations.
**How has the conflict impacted other matches?**
Earlier in the week, Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League tie against Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana in Riyadh was delayed by an hour after the Saudi‑led coalition reported intercepting a missile launched by the Houthi movement toward the capital.
**What is the broader security situation?**
The Saudi‑led coalition and the Houthi rebels have recently intensified their fighting, targeting airports and energy infrastructure across the kingdom. The latest escalation followed Houthi strikes on Riyadh’s international airport over the weekend, which killed 13 people and halted operations – the deadliest attack on the airport since 2015.