Al-Ahli Jeddah have decided to follow in the footsteps of their traditional rivals Al-Hilal, after a refereeing controversy marred their Saudi Roshen League match against Al-Fayha.
The match, played on Wednesday at Al-Majma’ah Sports City Stadium in the 29th round of the Roshen League, ended 1-1.
Several controversial decisions prompted the club to issue a scathing statement criticising the referee and demanding access to the referee–VAR communications.
According to the Saudi daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, the club is weighing the option of hiring elite foreign refereeing crews to officiate its remaining Roshen League fixtures this season.
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The move is designed to guarantee the highest refereeing standards in the title race.
Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney said the fourth official told him to focus on the AFC Champions League, not the domestic Roshen League, a version supported by coach Matthias Jaissle.
The draw has complicated Al-Ahli’s title hopes in the Roshen League, as they now trail leaders Al-Nassr—who have played one game fewer—by four points and are two points behind second-placed Al-Hilal.
Earlier, Al-Hilal had made the same request for foreign referees to officiate all their remaining Roshen League matches.