Five panels out of Saudi Football Election

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) election has taken a dramatic turn after the election committee approved only Badr Al-Ruzaiza’s panel as eligible for the 2026-30 term, while disqualifying the other five panels.

The rejected panels, however, are preparing to challenge the decision. According to Saudi daily Arriyadiyah, at least two panels, including the one led by Khalid Al-Ghamdi, are preparing to appeal Al-Ruzaiza’s eligibility. Other disqualified candidates may also join the appeal.

The candidates have alleged that the rules and eligibility requirements used to reject their nominations were not applied equally to the approved panel.

Following a review of the nominations on Saturday, the committee disqualified five panels led by Khalid Al-Ghamdi, Fahad Al-Ghafil, Hatem Khaimi, Ahmed Al-Wadaei and Shaker Al-Osaimi.

Their nominations were rejected over alleged shortcomings in required sporting and administrative experience, failure to meet specific eligibility conditions and non-compliance with requirements related to representatives of the General Assembly.

Fahad Al-Ghafil, however, does not plan to pursue legal action. Although he had been associated with a Saudi Roshn League club for nearly five years, his experience had not been formally documented with the relevant authorities. Accepting the committee’s decision, he said, “I fully respect the committee’s decision.”

Nominations were accepted from July 22 to August 1, with seven panels initially submitting their candidacies. Turki Al-Daban later withdrew from the race. The election committee reviewed the documents and regulations between August 2 and 7 before announcing its final decisions.

The next stage of the election now hinges on whether the disqualified panels appeal. With Al-Ruzaiza currently the only eligible candidate and his rivals preparing to challenge the decision, the contest for Saudi football’s leadership has gained fresh momentum off the field.

-HIS