JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has penalized Al-Wehdah and Al-Ta'awon teams three points each for violating rules in the recently-concluded Zain Saudi Professional League. The subject-to-appeal verdict issued by the federation's Disciplinary Committee also fined the two teams a sum of SR300,000 each. If applied, Wehdah would have 21 points, which would mean that it will be relegated while Al-Qadisiyah with 23 points will move back into the League. Moreover, Ta'awon now on 32 points will lose its place among the big eight teams, which had secured their places in the King's Cup. Al-Faisali on 35 points will then replace Ta'awon. The two teams were reported to have been late by nearly 12 minutes to enter the field for the first half of their Round 26 league encounter. According to the referee, Ta'awon players were also two minutes late for the second half. It is noteworthy that the SAFF General Secretariat had earlier issued a circular demanding all the last matches of the final round to start at 08:55 P.M. sharp to ensure a fair competition. The match was held at King Abdul Aziz Sports City Stadium in Makkah, and saw no goals.
