The 2010–11 Saudi Professional League (known as the Zain Professional League for sponsorship reasons) was the 35th season of the Saudi Professional League, the top Saudi professional league for association football clubs, since its establishment in 1976. The season began on 14 August 2010, and ended on 20 May 2011.[4]Al-Hilal were the defending champions.[5] The league was contested by the 12 teams from the 2009–10 season as well as Al-Faisaly and Al-Taawoun, who joined as the promoted clubs from the Saudi First Division. No teams were relegated the previous season following the decision to increase the number of teams from 12 to 14.[6]
On 29 April, defending champions Al-Hilal won their thirteenth League title with two games to spare after a 1–0 home win over Al-Raed.[7] Al-Hilal ended the season without a single defeat – the first team ever to do so in a 26-game league season and the second team overall (the first was Al-Ettifaq in 1983, during an 18-game league season).
Al-Hazem were the first team to be relegated following a 2–0 away defeat to Al-Taawoun.[8]Al-Wehda became the second and final team to be relegated following the decision to dock 3 points from them.[9]
Overview
Changes
The Saudi FF announced that the number of teams in the league would be increased from 12 to 14.[6]
Fourteen teams competed in the league – the twelve teams from the previous season and the two teams promoted from the First Division. No teams were relegated the previous season following the decision to increase the number of teams from 12 to 14.[6] The promoted teams were Al-Faisaly (returning after an absence of three years) and Al-Taawoun (returning after an absence of thirteen years).
Source: SLstat Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Play-offs (only if needed to decide champion, teams for relegation or teams for international competitions); 3) Goal difference; 4) Goals scored. (C) Champions; (R) Relegated Notes:
Updated to games played on 20 May 2011 Source: [61][62][63]
Awards
Arriyadiyah and Mobily Awards for Sports Excellence
The Arriyadiyah and Mobily Awards for Sports Excellence were awarded at the conclusion of the season for the fifth time since its inception in 2007. The awards were sponsored by Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah and Saudi telecommunication company Mobily. The awards were presented on 11 September 2011.[64]