Zain Premier League kicks off on the 25th and concludes on May 30 next year

The Kuwait Football Association’s competitions committee conducted the draw for the Zain Premier League yesterday at the St. Regis Hotel, resulting in a fiery opening clash between title holders Al-Kuwait and Al-Arabi on the 25th to kick off the tournament.

Al-Arabi will also face Al-Qadsia in the seventh round in early November. The opening round will feature matches between Fahaheel and Al-Qadsia, Al-Shabab and Al-Jahra, and Al-Salmiya and Al-Nasr, alongside a contest between the First Division champion and runner-up, as well as a match between Kazma and Al-Tadamun.

The Association announced the full schedule through May 30 next year, with planned breaks to allow the senior national team to prepare for the 27th Gulf Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. Competitions will resume in October and February.

Each round will be played over two days, with three matches per day, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be implemented in all matches.

Association Secretary General Dr. Saleh Al-Majroub emphasized the commitment to releasing the schedule despite the challenges posed by the breaks, reaffirming support for the national teams and clubs participating abroad. He noted that the draws for the Amir’s Cup, the Crown Prince’s Cup, and the First Division will be announced later, while the Super Cup date will be determined without a draw.

He clarified that the semi-finals will feature Al-Kuwait against Kazma and Al-Arabi against Al-Qadsia, with the winners advancing to the final.