2021–22 Saudi Second Division League


The 2021–22 Saudi Second Division was the first season of the Saudi Second Division League after its rebrand, and the 46th season since its establishment in 1976. The season began on 29 September 2021 and concluded on 20 April 2022 with the final. The group stage draw was held on 8 June 2021.
The season was originally scheduled to conclude on 16 April with the final. However, it was announced that both the final and third-place play-off would be postponed due to an ongoing investigation into match-fixing allegations. The investigation was concluded on 12 April with no evidence of any match-fixing and the new date for the final was announced as 20 April.
The final was played on 20 April 2022 between Al-Arabi and Al-Qaisumah. Al-Arabi defeated Al-Qaisumah 1–0 to win their second title and first since 1986.

Overview

Changes

On 9 October 2020, the Saudi FF announced that the number of teams in the league would be increased to 32, with each group consisting of 16 teams, starting from the 2022–23 season. To prepare for these changes it was announced that only 3 teams would be promoted to the MS League and 5 teams would be relegated from the MS League in the 2021–22 season.

Rebrand

On 29 September 2021, the newly appointed executive director of the SDL, Abdulmohsen Al-Duhaimi, announced a rebrand; beginning with the 2021–22 season, the competition would be known as the Second Division League. As part of the rebranding, a new logo was introduced.

Team changes

A total of 28 teams are contesting the league, including 20 sides from the 2020–21 season, 4 relegated teams from the MS League, and 4 promoted teams from the 2020–21 Third Division.

To Second Division

Promoted from the Third Division
Relegated from MS League

From Second Division

Promoted to MS League
Relegated to the Third Division

Teams

;Group A
ClubLocationStadium
Al-ArabiUnaizahAl-Najma Club Stadium
Al-BukiryahAl BukayriyahAl-Bukiryah Club Stadium
Al-DahabMahd adh DhahabOhod Club Stadium
Al-EntesarRabighAl-Entesar Club Stadium
Al-LewaaBaqaaAl-Jabalain Club Stadium
Al-NojoomAl-Hasa Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium
Al-RawdhahAl-Hasa Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium
Al-RiyadhRiyadhPrince Turki bin Abdul Aziz Stadium
Al-SaddNajaanAl-Shoulla Club Stadium
Al-SaqerBuraidah Al-Taawoun Club Stadium
Al-SharqAd-DilamAl-Shoulla Club Stadium
Al-WashmShaqraAl-Washm Club Stadium
TuwaiqAl ZulfiAl-Zulfi Club Stadium
WejTa'ifKing Fahd Stadium

;Group B
ClubLocationStadium
AfifAfifAl-Dera'a Club Stadium
Al-AnsarMedinaAl-Ansar Club Stadium
Al-JandalDumat al-JandalAl-Orobah Club Stadium
Al-NairyahAl NairyahAl-Ettifaq Club Stadium
Al-NajmaUnaizahAl-Najma Club Stadium
Al-QaisumahHafar al-BatinAl-Qaisumah Club Stadium
Al-RayyanHaʼilAl-Jabalain Club Stadium
Al-SafaSafwa CityAl-Safa Club Stadium
Al-TaqadomAl MithnabAl-Najma Club Stadium
Al-TarajiQatifAl-Khaleej Club Stadium
Al-ThoqbahKhobarPrince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium
Al-ZulfiAl ZulfiAl-Zulfi Club Stadium
ArarArarPrince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Musa'ed Sport City Stadium
HettenSamtahKing Faisal Sport City Stadium

Foreign players

The number of foreign players was increased from 2 players per team to 3 players per team.
Players name in bold indicates the player is registered during the mid-season transfer window.
ClubPlayer 1Player 2Player 3Former Players
Afif

Third place play-off

Both teams that finish second in Groups A and B will face each other in a two-legged match with the winner gaining promotion to the FD League. The first leg was originally scheduled to be held on 8 April and the second leg on 14 April, however, it was both matches were postponed following an investigation into match-fixing allegations. Al-Riyadh, who finished second in Group A, faced Al-Taraji, who finished second in Group B. The first leg was played on 15 April and the second leg on 20 April. Al-Riyadh defeated Al-Taraji 3–2 on aggregate to earn promotion to the Saudi First Division League.

Final

The winners of each group will play a single-legged final on 20 April to decide the champion of the 2021–22 Second Division. As winners of Group A, Al-Arabi faced Al-Qaisumah, the winners of Group B. The match was held at Al-Arabi's home stadium due to them having more points. Al-Arabi defeated Al-Qaisumah 1–0 to win their second title and first since 1986.

Statistics

Top scorers

RankPlayerClubGoals
1

Hat-tricks

PlayerForAgainstResultDate