SAFF Opens Registration for 2026–2027 Football Season

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has opened registration for the 2026–2027 season, setting out a clear participation process for clubs and entities across the Kingdom. Applicants must obtain a sports licence, secure SAFF membership, and confirm participation through the MySAFF platform before the deadline of 13 August 2026.

The sports licence is issued by the Saudi Ministry of Sports through the Nafes Program, while SAFF membership carries an annual fee of SAR 10,000. Once the required licence, membership documents, and participation acknowledgement are submitted, registration is completed through SAFF's official electronic systems.

Player registration is handled electronically by each club via SAFF's Electronic Player Registration System, with eligible players receiving a FIFA ID. Professional players may generally be registered only during SAFF-designated annual registration periods, while amateur-only competitions follow separate periods specified by SAFF.

Grassroots and junior competitions

The 2026 season features competitions for the under-5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14 age groups. More than 3,200 teams and 40,000 players have been registered across 54 Saudi cities and governorates, with grassroots competitions scheduled to begin on 13 October 2026.

Starting from the 2025–2026 season, junior and academy coaches are required to hold at least an AFC Level 2 certificate; an AFC Level 1 certificate is no longer sufficient. This step aims to raise coaching standards across youth development programs.

The process reflects growing organization in Saudi football and offers residents and families a clear pathway to take part. All steps are completed through official channels, including the Ministry of Sports Nafes Program, SAFF membership and payment systems, and the MySAFF platform.

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