Sources to Asharq Al-Awsat: Abdullah Hammad Prepares His List to Run for Presidency of Saudi Football Federation

Informed sources revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that Abdullah bin Faisal Hammad, CEO of Mahd Sports Academy and current member of the Saudi Football Federation Board of Directors (since May 2022), has begun preparing his file and electoral list to run for the presidency of the Saudi Football Federation, pending the green light to officially announce his candidacy when nominations open.

Asharq Al-Awsat had previously revealed on Tuesday that Badr Al-Razeza is also considering running for the presidency of the Saudi Football Federation, signaling an anticipated competition for the federation's leadership in the coming period, as the sports community awaits the announcement of names that will officially enter the race after nominations open.

According to the sources, Hammad is currently working on finalizing a list that includes a number of names with sports, administrative, and investment expertise, preparing to enter the electoral race expected to launch after the election timeline is approved.

The sources added that the name of Walid Moath, CEO of AlUla Club, stands out as a candidate to join Hammad's list, as his name is being circulated to take over the position of Secretary-General of the Saudi Football Federation should the list be formed. Moath is considered one of the administrative talents in the Saudi sports scene, having worked for years at Al-Ahli Club and held several executive and administrative positions during his career.

The sources confirmed that Abdullah Hammad's name has been floated as one of the most prominent potential candidates for the presidency of the Saudi Football Federation since February 2024, following the Saudi national team's exit from the 2023 Asian Cup, before his name resurfaced strongly in recent weeks as early elections approach.

The sources added: 'Hammad's name is not unfamiliar in terms of candidacy, as his name has been circulating in sports circles for more than two years.'

Hammad currently holds the position of CEO and Secretary-General of the Board of Directors of Mahd Sports Academy, and has been a member of the Saudi Football Federation Board of Directors since May 2022, having been part of the federation's work system over the past four years.

Hammad possesses multiple field and administrative experiences, holding a Bachelor's degree in Training Management from the Higher University of Ceram in France, and a Master's degree in Sports from the Johan Cruyff Institute for Sport Studies in the Netherlands, in addition to obtaining all European coaching licenses and a Technical Development Diploma from the German Football Association.

Hammad has previously worked within the talent scouting team at Dutch club Ajax's academy, as an assistant coach for youth teams at Danish club I.G.F., and as head coach for the youth team at German club Düsseldorf, in addition to overseeing the talent center at Aspire Academy in Qatar, before moving to executive work in Saudi sports.

This comes as the Saudi Football Federation elections enter a decisive phase, with an extraordinary general assembly meeting on Wednesday to vote on proposed amendments to the statutes and election regulations, paving the way for the official procedures to elect a new board of directors.

Current federation president Yasser Al-Mishal is expected to announce, during the general assembly proceedings, the advancement of the election date, while continuing to manage the federation's affairs until handing over to the elected board, which is supposed to take place by early September at the latest.