Marciniak replaced in appointment for Al-Hilal–Al-Ittihad

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak did not reach Saudi Arabia in time for Al-Hilal’s meeting with Al-Ittihad because of air-travel problems. Sport-Express, citing Ar Riyadiah, reported that the referees’ committee appointed Khalid Al-Turais instead.

The change concerned the eighth-round fixture scheduled for the evening of October 10. Marciniak, 45, and his officiating team did not arrive within the required timeframe.

Al-Turais had originally been assigned to Al-Nassr–Al-Diriyah on October 9. After the reshuffle, that match was assigned to Mohammed Al-Samail. The changes therefore affected appointments for two games.

The specific travel difficulties were not disclosed. The report did not identify the team’s route or airline, so the delay cannot be linked to a particular flight.

The outlet also described rules allowing local officials to replace invited foreign referees in an emergency when the overseas team cannot arrive for reasons beyond its control. In that situation, the club receives a refund of the fee paid to invite foreign officials.