The SAFF Women's Cup is the top annual cup tournament for women's clubs in Saudi football,[1] run by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.[2][3]

SAFF Women's Cup
Organising bodySaudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF)
Founded2023; 1 year ago (2023)
RegionSaudi Arabia
Number of teams16
Qualifier forSaudi Women's Super Cup
Current championsAl-Ahli (1st title)
Most successful club(s)Al-Ahli (1 title)
Television broadcastersSSC (MENA)
DAZN (worldwide)
WebsiteSAFF Women's Cup
2024–25 SAFF Women's Cup

The Director of Women's Football highlighted that hosting the Saudi Women's Cup represents a significant step in the development plans for women's football. Increasing the number of matches during the season is one of the strategic objectives aimed at enhancing the players' technical skills and fostering competitiveness among teams.[4]

On 31 May 2024, the Saudi Football Federation renewed the exclusive partnership agreement with Saudi National Bank for a period of 3 years to sponsor the Saudi Women's Premier League and also the SAFF Women's Cup.[5]

Format

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Participation

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In accordance with official regulations, the SAFF has determined the allocation of the 16 available spots. Direct qualification is granted to all clubs from the Saudi Women's Premier League.

Seeding

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In the draw, the eight Premier League clubs are seeded into level A, while the First Division League clubs are seeded into level B. Each club from level A is matched against from level B.

Match rules

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All games are held over two 45-minute halves with the winner advancing to the next round. In case of a draw, the game gets extended by two 15-minute halves. If the score is still level after 120 minutes, the winner is decided by penalty shootout.

Champions

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Year Champions Result Runners-up Venue
2023–24 Al-Ahli 3–2 Al-Shabab Kingdom Arena, Riyadh
2024–25

References

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  1. ^ "The kickoff of the first edition of the Saudi Women's Cup". aawsat.com (in Arabic). 6 September 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  2. ^ "Saudi Arabia breaks ground with first-ever SAFF Women's Cup tournament". me.mashable.com. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  3. ^ "Saudi Arabia to launch first edition of SAFF Women's Cup". siasat.com. 13 September 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  4. ^ "SAFF Cup: The third women's football championship to be created". okaz.com.sa. 6 September 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  5. ^ "كرة القدم النسائية في السعودية تواصل الازدهار" [The Women's football in Saudi Arabia continues to flourish.]. kooora.com (in Arabic). Riyan Al-Jidani. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
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