Saudi Women's League Expands Spots for Players

Oct 21, 2026•2 min read

Saudi football clubs are opening more professional doors for women after new registration rules for the Saudi Women's Premier League, which launched in 2022 and offers paid playing opportunities for both Saudi and foreign athletes. For the 2026–27 season, each top-flight club may register up to six foreign players.

Under the arrangement, no more than five foreign players may be on the pitch at the same time. The sixth foreign player must satisfy specific sporting eligibility criteria and remain on the substitutes' bench while five foreign players are in action. Clubs recruit Saudi and foreign players directly, with salaries and contract values differing from one club and player to another.

How foreign players join

Foreign professional players generally need a club-sponsored employment contract, work authorization processed through قوى, an entry work visa, medical clearance, and an iqama after arrival. The club usually covers the main sponsorship and immigration costs. Reported administrative estimates range from SAR 500–3,000 for work-permit processing, SAR 800–3,000 for visa stamping, and SAR 200–1,200 for medical examinations, with exact amounts depending on the worker classification and visa route.

Onboarding typically takes about three to eight weeks after the contract is finalized and documents are processed. Contracts for foreign athletes must be registered through the applicable employment and sports-registration systems before lawful professional participation can begin.

For the community, the expanded quota signals growing investment in women's football and wider career options for local players who train and compete alongside international talent. At present, there is no single public registration channel, official 2026 fee schedule, or application form for individual player applications; recruitment runs through participating clubs.

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