Saudi Football Federation Elections: Hatem Khaimeh’s Strategy for the 2026-2030 Term
Hatem Khaimeh is assembling a diverse coalition for the upcoming Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) presidential elections, scheduled for August 30, 2026. According to sources cited by Asharq Al-Awsat, Khaimeh’s proposed board includes veteran club administrators, legal experts, and international marketing specialists as he prepares for the sixth term of the federation’s leadership.
Key Figures in Khaimeh’s Proposed Board
Khaimeh, a former Al-Wehda president and long-time technical analyst, is building a ticket designed to blend sporting experience with corporate strategy. Based on reports from Asharq Al-Awsat, the list currently features:
* Abdulaziz Al-Ruwaili: Vice President of Al-Orobah FC.
* Abdulaziz Al-Angari: Former President of Al-Ahli Saudi FC.
* Dr. Khalid Abu Rashid: A specialist in sports law.
* Mohammed Al-Khalifa: Former President of Al-Khulood Club.
* Al-Hassan Al-Yami: Former star player for Al-Ittihad and Najran.
* Saud Al-Hamali: Captain of the 1989 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning Saudi national team.
* Dr. Abdullah Al-Naeem: An expert in sports marketing and investment.
In a move to modernize the federation’s commercial operations, Khaimeh has also secured an unnamed Swiss consultant specializing in marketing and strategies. Sources indicate that negotiations are ongoing to add a prominent figure associated with Al-Hilal, as Khaimeh looks to broaden his base of support across the Kingdom’s major clubs.
The Election Timeline and Competitive Landscape
The SAFF election committee has set a rigorous schedule for the 2026-2030 board transition. As reported by Asharq Al-Awsat, the official window for submitting candidacy applications opened on July 22 and closes on August 1. The process includes a vetting phase for all candidates from August 2 to August 7, with initial lists expected on August 8. The official voting process will take place during the Extraordinary General Assembly on August 30. Khaimeh faces a crowded field. Other figures preparing to enter the race include Badr Al-Razaiza, Mueed Al-Shehri, and Dr. Khalid Al-Ghamdi. The election dynamics are shifting as candidates reveal their potential team members. Asharq Al-Awsat previously reported on the list being prepared by Mueed Al-Shehri, which features a different mix of professional expertise, including former Al-Ittihad player Manaf Abushgeer, former commentator Nabil Naqshbandi, former Al-Nassr executive Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, sports lawyer Ahmed Al-Sheikhi, and Al-Qalwa Club president Ali Al-Salahi.
Did you know? The SAFF presidential election for the 2026-2030 term will be decided by the General Assembly, which holds the final vote on August 30.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new SAFF board be elected? The election is scheduled for August 30, 2026, during the Extraordinary General Assembly.
Who are the primary candidates for the SAFF presidency? Current reports indicate that Hatem Khaimeh, Badr Al-Razaiza, Mueed Al-Shehri, and Dr. Khalid Al-Ghamdi are preparing to run.
What is the role of the Swiss consultant in Khaimeh’s list? How are candidates vetted? The SAFF election committee reviews all applications between August 2 and August 7, followed by a formal appeals process handled by the Saudi Sports Arbitration Center.
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