Al Ahli are enduring one of the most turbulent periods in recent memory, with off-pitch instability compounding a run of results that has left the Jeddah club sixth in the Saudi Pro League with 12 points from seven games. The latest blow came with the resignation of sporting director Osama Hawsawi, who had only been appointed after the sacking of Portuguese director Rui Pedro Barraz earlier this month. That rapid turnover at the top of the club's structure signals a deeper administrative dysfunction, one that former director Barraz warned about in public comments before his departure.

On the pitch, the defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in Pretoria, where Al Ahli lost 2-1, marked the second consecutive season the club has fallen at the final hurdle in the three-continent tournament. Coach Marino Pusic has faced sharp criticism for his in-game decisions, and questions continue over whether the squad has the right profile to compete at the highest level following the departures of Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessie. The arrival of Armenian midfielder Edouard Spertsyan for 21.9 million euros has drawn mixed reviews from supporters, though his performances for the national team during the international break have offered some encouragement.

Al Ahli return to action on 9 October away at Al Fateh, a fixture that carries real pressure given the club's need to stabilise both results and morale.