Adnan Justinah

Abu Amira... Your Health is Precious to Us

July 10, 2026 - 00:01 | Last updated July 10, 2026 - 00:01

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I saw a tweet by dear Mr. Hatem Khamees on platform 'X', where he clarified that he has not yet decided to run for the presidency of the Saudi Football Federation, and that the idea is still under study. I interacted with what he proposed, and gave him brotherly advice not to proceed with this step, not to belittle his social status, nor his sports experience, nor his scientific value, but because this sensitive position requires a strong heart, a cool head, and an exceptional ability to withstand pressure. These are requirements that I do not see - with all my respect and appreciation - are present in our beloved 'Abu Amira', even though he has the right to aspire to this position and seek it.

This sincere advice was met with angry reactions from some admirers of this beautiful personality in character and manners, from Al-Wehda club fans and others whom I had called years ago - in an article I published in Okaz newspaper - by the nickname 'Al-Batikh Club' (Watermelon Club). They did not stop at objection, but recalled an honorable stance by Hatem Khamees when he was a sports analyst on the program 'Kora', where he said wonderful things about me, and defended me in a case that occupied public opinion more than ten years ago, and thank God it ended with justice that did not concern me alone, but every Saudi citizen living on the soil of this pure homeland, and enjoying fair leadership, may God perpetuate its glory.

I am not ungrateful for that noble stance, which was not a compliment to my person, as many others shared it, and if I were in his place I would have taken the same stance and spoken the same national language. But that does not mean I should flatter him today, or repay his favor by supporting his candidacy for the presidency of the football federation, while I have fundamental reasons that prompted me to give that advice. And God knows it was not motivated by a personal stance, but its source was love, appreciation, and fear for him.

And here I get to the essence of the matter, my fear for his health, which is more precious to his family, to his admirers, and to me personally, than any position. I still remember the fainting incident he suffered during his first presidency of Al-Wehda club, after one of the matches that the Knights of Mecca lost; his heart could not bear the consequences of that loss and he fell unconscious.

I also do not forget that after the end of his assignment period, he did not wish to continue, and when asked why, he said that his family members asked him to do so, out of concern for his health. Nevertheless, I was optimistic at that time that Al-Wehda, if he continued in its presidency, would move towards a better future and regain its deserved status.

And when he returned again last season, I remembered his health condition, and I also remembered his statement about his family's desire, so I was surprised by his return, and feared for him at the same time. Perhaps Al-Wehda's presence in the 'Yellow' League reduced the pressure compared to what he faced in the Roshn League. Nevertheless, after the end of his second assignment, he preferred to leave, and did not enter a new challenge to return the team to the top league, even though Al-Wehda club was - after God's grace - one of the most important reasons for his fame and people's love for him.

What I want to get to is that my advice was not a personal impression, but based on facts that everyone knows. The presidency of the Saudi Football Federation is an extremely difficult task, and its pressures are much greater than the pressures of presiding over any club, regardless of its size. I fear that the nature of Hatem Khamees, given his known kindness, calmness, and gentleness, is not suited to the nature of this position, which sometimes requires decisive decisions, long patience, and the ability to withstand constant criticism and attack, no matter how glamorous or rosy the temptations of the position may seem.

And I affirm that this advice is not specific to Hatem Khamees alone, but includes many big names among former football stars, although my motive with him is also related to the health aspect. As for the administrative and leadership aspect, I see that the next phase needs new Saudi leadership faces, not aligned with any of the big clubs, so that Saudi football does not return to the vortex of polarization that it paid the price for over many years.

From this standpoint, I sincerely hope that the former president of Al-Raed club, Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri, will run for the presidency of the Saudi Football Federation. I also call on members of the General Assembly to first review the interview he conducted with colleague Batal Al-Qous on his famous program 'Fi Al-Maram', as that interview contains a comprehensive vision, administrative and commercial investment thinking worthy of appreciation, independence, administrative experience, and decision-making ability. I believe that if he runs and they elect him president, they will not regret this choice.

At the end of this statement, what I said to the son of honored Mecca, Hatem Khamees, stems from love, not opposition, and from concern, not belittlement. Positions vanish, but health cannot be compensated by any position, and therefore I repeat it with all love: Abu Amira, your health is precious to us.