The highly anticipated Riyadh Derby between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr in the Roshn Saudi Professional League will be officiated by a French refereeing team, adding an international touch to one of the most fiercely contested matches in Middle Eastern football.
Officiating Team for Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr Clash
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has appointed an experienced French crew to manage this high-pressure encounter. Leading the on-field operations will be referee François Letexier, a seasoned official with extensive experience in European and international football.
Read More: Real Madrid Confirms Xabi Alonso Is No Longer the Head Coach
Match Officials Breakdown:
- Center Referee: François Letexier (France)
- Assistant Referees: Cyril Moine and Mehdi Rahmouni (France)
- Fourth Official: Abdullah Al-Owaidan (Saudi Arabia)
- VAR Officials: Bastien Dechepy (VAR) and Nicolas Rainville (AVAR) – both from France
League Implications and Current Standings
This crucial match represents Round 15 of the Roshn Saudi Professional League and carries significant implications for the title race. Al-Hilal currently sits atop the league table with 35 points from 13 matches, while rivals Al-Nassr trail closely behind with 31 points from the same number of games.
A victory for Al-Hilal would extend their lead to seven points, potentially dealing a decisive blow to Al-Nassr’s championship aspirations. Conversely, an Al-Nassr win would narrow the gap to just one point, reigniting the title race in dramatic fashion.
Venue and Match Details
- Stadium: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh
- Date: Monday [Match Date]
- Time: 8:30 PM Saudi Time / 9:30 PM UAE Time
- Competition: Roshn Saudi Professional League – Matchday 15
Referee Profiles and Experience
François Letexier brings considerable big-match experience to this fixture, having officiated in UEFA Champions League matches and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His calm demeanor under pressure and consistent decision-making have earned him recognition as one of Europe’s promising refereeing talents.
The inclusion of Bastien Dechepy as VAR official ensures that video review technology will be managed by an experienced hand familiar with high-stakes matches in European competitions.
Historical Context of the Riyadh Derby
The Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr rivalry represents more than just a football match—it’s a clash of Saudi football’s most successful clubs with passionate fan bases. Recent encounters have produced dramatic moments, spectacular goals, and intense competition that often extends beyond the ninety minutes.
Key Players to Watch
While the refereeing team will manage proceedings, all eyes will naturally be on the star players:
- Al-Nassr: Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and Aymeric Laporte
- Al-Hilal: Neymar Jr. (if fit), Aleksandar Mitrović, and Sergej Milinković-Savić
The French officiating team will need to maintain control while allowing the natural flow of this potentially explosive encounter.
Broadcast Information
The match will be televised globally through various sports networks and streaming platforms, with particular interest across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia due to the star power involved and the significance of the rivalry.
Conclusion: A Test of Officiating Under Pressure
The appointment of a neutral French refereeing team underscores the importance of this fixture and the desire for impartial officiating. As the eyes of the football world turn toward Riyadh, François Letexier and his team face the challenging task of managing one of world football’s most passionate derbies while maintaining the integrity and flow of the game.
This Riyadh Derby promises not only a spectacle of footballing quality but also a test of officiating competence at the highest level of Asian club football.
