Saudi Football Federation prepares for presidential election with multiple candidate lists

Former Al‑Wehda club president Hatem Khimi submitted a slate of 12 candidates to the Saudi Football Federation’s election committee, including former club leaders, legal and financial experts, and two foreign specialists – Swiss marketing expert Jeremy Berisha and Moroccan sports‑development consultant Dr Hassan Kherbouch. The submission deadline was 5 p.m., after which the committee will review applications through 7 August, announce preliminary lists on 8 August, final lists on 26 August, and hold an extraordinary general assembly on 30 August to elect a new board.

The race follows the resignation of former federation president Yasser Al‑Mashel, who stepped down after Saudi Arabia’s exit from the 2026 World Cup. Five candidates are now contesting the presidency: Khalid Al‑Ghamdi, Badr Al‑Rizai, Hatem Khimi, Yahya Al‑Sharif and Ahmed Al‑Wadi. The election committee is reviewing their files and will open a period for appeals before the final vote. The outcome is expected to shape the federation’s role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 football development programme, including domestic competition reforms and national team support.