What Is 2003 Saudi Crown Prince Cup

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2003 Saudi Crown Prince Cup was the 28th edition of the tournament, held annually in Saudi Arabia. Al-Ittihad won the final 1–0 against Al-Ahli on July 18, 2003, securing their fifth title in the competition's history.

Key Facts

Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Ahli 1–0 in the final on July 18, 2003
The match took place at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah
This was Al-Ittihad’s fifth Crown Prince Cup title
The tournament featured 16 teams from the Saudi Professional League
Al-Ittihad qualified for the 2004 AFC Champions League as a result

Overview

The 2003 Saudi Crown Prince Cup marked the 28th staging of one of Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious domestic football competitions. Organized by the Saudi Football Federation, the tournament brought together top-tier clubs from the Saudi Professional League in a knockout format.

Hosted annually since 1957, the Crown Prince Cup traditionally features the league’s top 16 teams competing for regional pride and continental qualification. The 2003 edition culminated in a tightly contested final between two Jeddah powerhouses, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli.

Al-Ittihad won the final 1–0 against Al-Ahli, with the decisive goal scored in the 68th minute by Syrian international Raja Rafe.
The final was held on July 18, 2003 at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, a venue with a capacity of approximately 27,000 spectators.
This victory marked Al-Ittihad’s fifth Crown Prince Cup title, adding to previous wins in 1982, 1985, 1997, and 2001, solidifying their status among Saudi football elite.
The tournament featured 16 teams, all drawn from the top division, competing in a single-elimination format with home advantage determined by draw.
Al-Ittihad earned qualification to the 2004 AFC Champions League as a result of their win, giving them access to continental competition.

How It Works

The Saudi Crown Prince Cup follows a traditional knockout structure, with seeded teams from the top professional league competing across multiple rounds. Each match is played as a single leg, with extra time and penalties used to decide draws after 90 minutes.

Knockout Format: The tournament begins with a round of 16, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. Each round is a single match hosted at a predetermined venue.
Participating Teams: Only clubs from the Saudi Professional League qualify, typically the top 16 based on the previous season’s standings or by invitation.
Match Duration: Games last 90 minutes; if tied, 30 minutes of extra time is played, followed by a penalty shootout if needed.
Host Selection: The Saudi Football Federation assigns neutral venues for later stages; the 2003 final was held in Jeddah despite both finalists being from the city.
Refereeing Standards: Matches are officiated by FIFA-listed referees from Saudi Arabia, ensuring compliance with international regulations and fair play.
Trophy and Prize: The winning team receives the Crown Prince Cup trophy and a cash prize, along with automatic qualification to the following season’s AFC Champions League.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2003 Saudi Crown Prince Cup with other editions during the early 2000s:

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Final Score	Venue
2001	Al-Ittihad	Al-Shabab	2–1	King Fahd Stadium
2002	Al-Hilal	Al-Nassr	1–0	Prince Faisal Stadium
2003	Al-Ittihad	Al-Ahli	1–0	Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium
2004	Al-Ahli	Al-Ittihad	2–1	King Abdul Aziz Stadium
2005	Al-Hilal	Al-Ittihad	1–0	King Fahd Stadium

The 2003 edition stood out due to the local rivalry between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli, both from Jeddah. This added regional intensity to the final, making it one of the most-watched domestic matches of the year. The narrow 1–0 scoreline reflected the high stakes and disciplined play from both sides.

Why It Matters

The 2003 Saudi Crown Prince Cup had lasting implications for Saudi football, both competitively and institutionally. Its structure and outcomes influenced how domestic tournaments were organized in subsequent years.

Al-Ittihad’s fifth title elevated them to one of the most successful clubs in the competition’s history, behind only Al-Hilal in total wins.
The final showcased rising regional talent, including future national team players like Al-Ittihad’s Sami Al-Jaber and Al-Ahli’s Majed Abdullah.
Domestic viewership peaked during the 2003 final, with over 35,000 in attendance and national TV broadcast reaching millions.
Winning the cup granted continental access, allowing Al-Ittihad to compete in the 2004 AFC Champions League, where they reached the quarterfinals.
The tournament highlighted infrastructure improvements, as Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium underwent upgrades ahead of the final.
It reinforced the Crown Prince Cup’s prestige, maintaining its status as a key fixture in Saudi Arabia’s football calendar alongside the league and King’s Cup.

Ultimately, the 2003 Saudi Crown Prince Cup served as a pivotal moment for Al-Ittihad and Saudi football, demonstrating the competitive depth and growing popularity of the sport in the Kingdom.