The 1983–84 Saudi Premier League was the eighth season of Saudi Premier League since its establishment in 1976. Al-Ettifaq were the defending champions, having won their first title in the previous season. The campaign began on 5 October 1983 and ended on 17 February 1984. The league was contested by 10 teams the top 8 teams from the previous season as well as Al-Wehda and Al-Riyadh, who joined as the promoted clubs from the 1982–83 First Division.
Going into the final matchday, Al-Ahli were leading the table with 2 points ahead of derby rivals Al-Ittihad. Al-Ittihad would face fourth-placed Al-Qadsiah at home while Al-Ahli would face ninth-placed Al-Nahda away from home. Al-Ittihad would play on 9 February while Al-Ahli were originally scheduled to play on 10 February. However, Al-Ahli's match was delayed to 17 February. Al-Ahli won the League title on 9 February 1984 after Al-Ittihad drew Al-Qadsiah 1–1 at home. Telê Santana became the fifth Brazilian to win the Saudi Premier League after Didi, Mário Zagallo, Chico Formiga, and Chinesinho.
No relegation would happen this season following the decision to expand the league to 12 teams.
This season was notable for the absence of Saudi internationals. This was due to the Saudi national team's participation in the qualifiers for the 1984 Summer Olympics. These players include Al-Nassr's Majed Abdullah, Al-Ahli's Mohamed Abd Al-Jawad, Al-Hilal's Saleh Al-Nu'eimeh, Al-Ettifaq's Saleh Khalifa Al-Dosari, Al-Ittihad's Ahmed Bayazid, and Al-Shabab's Khalid Al-Ma'ajil among others.
Teams Ten teams competed in the league – the top eight teams of the previous season and the two promoted teams from the First Division. Al-Wehda and Al-Riyadh were promoted to the Premier League and returned to the top flight after an absence of one year. Al-Wehda were promoted on 24 March 1983 after defeating Al-Taawoun 2–0 at home. Al-Wehda clinched the title after drawing Al-Riyadh 0–0 in the final matchday. Al-Riyadh were promoted after drawing Al-Wehda 0–0 in the final matchday.
Ohod were the first team to be relegated following a 5–1 away defeat to Al-Shabab on 7 April 1983. The following day, Al-Rawdah were defeated by Al-Qadsiah 2–0 and were relegated.
Stadiums and locations
Club Location Stadium Head coach Al-Ahli Jeddah Youth Welfare Stadium in Jeddah Telê Santana Al-Ettifaq Dammam Youth Welfare Stadium in Dammam Khalil Al-Zayani Al-Hilal Riyadh Youth Welfare Stadium in Al-Malaz Ljubiša Broćić Al-Ittihad Jeddah Youth Welfare Stadium in Jeddah Vanderlei Luxemburgo Al-Nahda Dammam Youth Welfare Stadium in Dammam Al-Nassr Riyadh Youth Welfare Stadium in Al-Malaz Paulo César Carpegiani Al-Qadsiah Khobar Youth Welfare Stadium in Al-Rakkah Al-Riyadh Riyadh Youth Welfare Stadium in Al-Malaz Al-Shabab Riyadh Youth Welfare Stadium in Al-Malaz Al-Wehda Mecca Youth Welfare Stadium in Jeddah Abdelmajid Chetali
Foreign players Club Player 1 Player 2 Former players Al-Ahli Al-Ettifaq Al-Hilal Ali Kaabi Al-Ittihad Al-Nahda Al-Nassr Al-Qadsiah Al-Riyadh Al-Shabab Al-Wehda
League table
Promoted: Ohod, Al-Jabalain.
Results
Season statistics
Top scorers Rank Player Club Goals1 Hussam Abu DawoodAl-Ahli132 Mohaisen Al-Jam'anAl-Nassr11 Abdullah GhurabAl-Ittihad4 Jamal MohammedAl-Ettifaq95 Nasser Sodoos Al-DossariAl-Riyadh8 Abdulrahman Al-DawoodAl-Wehda Hamad Al-DossariAl-Qadsiah8 Ahmad Al-BishiAl-Qadsiah7 Mohammed Abo HaidarAl-Ettifaq10 Talal SobhiAl-Ahli6 Naif MarzooqAl-Shabab Saad Abo SamrahAl-Ittihad Hathal Al-DossariAl-Hilal
See also 1984 King Cup 1985–86 Asian Club Championship 1985 Arab Club Champions Cup
References
External links RSSSF Stats Article writer for Saleh Al-Hoireny - Al-Jazirah newspaper 03-09-2010