Hilal can run into Al-Ittihad again very soon if the draw for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup for Champions, made in Riyadh on Monday, stays to form. Al-Hilal beat Al-Ittihad 1-0 to claim the Saudi inaugural Saudi Premier League crown Sunday. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup for Champions' draw, which was patronized by Prince Sultan Bin Fahd, Chairman of the General Presidency for Youth Welfare, has pitted Al-Hilal against Al-Wehda and Al-Ittihad against Al-Ittifaq in the first round matches. The eight teams taking part in the tournament have been divided into two levels. Level one comprises: Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nasr and Al-Shabab. Level two teams are: Al-Ittifaq, Al-Wehdah, Al-Hazm and Al-Ahli. Al-Nasr, meanwhile, will face Al-Hazm and Al-Shabab will take on Al-Ahli. The first-round matches will be played this Friday and Saturday while the second-round matches will be played on April 25 and 26. Prince Sultan announced on the occasion that Saudi clubs starting next year will take part in events organized by the Asian Football Confederation. He said Saudi clubs have met eight out of 10 conditions stipulated by the Asian Football Confederation for taking part in its events. One of the conditions emphasizes privatization of sport clubs, which the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) had started implementing two years ago. Prince Sultan said the Kingdom needs three to five years to completely implement condition laid down by the Asian Football Confederation. __
