English Premier League
Al Ahli singled out as Saudi Pro League matches show major lack of playing time
A report has highlighted an exceptional situation in the Roshn Saudi League last season, claiming that around half of the competition’s matches were played with the ball out of action for significant periods. Al Ahli were identified as the club most closely associated with what the report described as a disastrous situation.
The figures were published by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat in a report based on data from Opta, the sports statistics network. The analysis examined the amount of time during which the ball was actually in play across matches in last season’s Roshn Saudi League.
The measure, known as effective playing time, records the periods when the ball is actively being played. It excludes stoppages caused by fouls, injuries, substitutions, set pieces, Video Assistant Referee reviews and delays in restarting the game.
According to the report, the findings showed that roughly half of the league’s matches were without active football for substantial stretches. The reference to matches being “without football” concerns the time when play was suspended, rather than suggesting that the games contained no football at all.
Al Ahli were presented as the main club involved in this wider problem. The report therefore placed the club at the centre of the criticism surrounding the league’s effective playing time, although the issue was described as affecting the competition more broadly.
The use of the Opta data gave the report a statistical basis for its assessment of last season’s matches. Rather than focusing on results, goals or league positions, the analysis considered how much of each game was spent with the ball in play and how much was lost to interruptions.
Those interruptions can arise in several different ways during a match. A foul can stop an attack, while an injury may require play to be paused. Substitutions can also delay the restart, as can preparations for a free-kick, corner or other set piece. A VAR review may create another stoppage, while players and officials can also take time before the game resumes.
The report’s central concern was that these breaks accounted for around half of the overall match experience in the Roshn Saudi League last season. Its criticism of Al Ahli reflected the club’s position as the most prominent example in the data, rather than presenting the matter as an isolated incident affecting only one side.
The figures were released as part of a wider discussion about the rhythm and continuity of matches in the Saudi competition. Effective playing time is intended to show how long supporters actually see the ball in motion, separate from the official duration displayed on the match clock.
The report also carried a ticketing promotion for Roshn Saudi League fixtures, inviting readers to buy tickets for matches.
