Al-Hilal, Al-Merrikh and Sudanese Football Association
10 November 2026
The Sudanese Football Association’s appeals committee has restored Al-Hilal as national league champions after reversing an earlier ruling that awarded decisive match points to Al-Merrikh. Al-Merrikh rejected the new decision and announced plans to pursue the dispute at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The disagreement centres on allegations that Al-Hilal fielded ineligible naturalised players during their victory over Al-Merrikh. An initial appeal changed the result and title outcome, but a review on 9 and 10 November reinstated the original match result. Al-Merrikh now contests that reversal.
Why It Matters
The championship has changed hands through disciplinary rulings, with the final outcome still vulnerable to international arbitration.