Asharq Al-Awsat learned from well-informed sources that Badr Al-Razizah, president of Al-Qadsiah Club, is seriously considering running for the presidency of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, to succeed Yasser Al-Mishal, who submitted his resignation two weeks ago after the Saudi national team was eliminated from the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

Al-Razizah is considered among the names that meet the basic conditions for running for the presidency of the Saudi Football Federation, as he holds a university degree, speaks fluent English, and possesses administrative and sports experience, having led Al-Qadsiah Club since February 2024, which has strengthened his presence in the Saudi sports scene, along with his wide relations and experience in institutional work.

According to sources, Al-Razizah is one of the most prominent names undergoing intensive consultations during the current period in preparation for finalizing his decision to run in the elections, while the identity of the most favored candidate remains shrouded in secrecy, with figures wishing to enter the race preferring not to announce their positions until arrangements for the next phase are complete.

The sources said that many clubs requested Al-Razizah to run due to his competence, experience, and standing among his peers in Saudi League clubs.

The sources added that Al-Razizah is simultaneously working on preparing an electoral list that includes figures with specialized and diverse expertise in sports, investment, marketing, and administrative aspects, aiming to form a board of directors capable of leading the federation in the next phase, in line with the scale of transformation witnessed in Saudi sports and the requirements of the next phase at both domestic and international levels.

The Saudi Football Federation elections enter a critical phase with the approaching extraordinary general assembly meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, to vote on proposed amendments to the bylaws and election regulations, in preparation for starting the official procedures for electing a new board of directors. Note that Yasser Al-Mishal will announce during the general assembly tomorrow the request to advance the elections, as he is currently managing the federation's affairs until the next president officially takes over.

Asharq Al-Awsat had earlier revealed that the elections will take place within a period of six to eight weeks from the date of the general assembly meeting, making the period between August 19 and September 2 the closest date for holding the vote, with the elected board expected to assume its duties before the start of the Gulf Cup competitions scheduled in Jeddah at the end of September.

The chances of many of the names circulating on social media platforms to run for the presidency are declining, in light of specific conditions and criteria imposed by the election regulations on candidates for the federation's presidency.

Al-Razizah has held the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Province Chamber since January 2022, and he also holds the position of CEO and Board Member of Al-Raziza Trading and Contracting Company since 2020. He holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from California State University in 2005, and a Bachelor's degree in Information Systems Management from the same university in 2002, and he completed a leadership development program at the International Institute for Management in Switzerland.

He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Province Development Authority, and a member of its Investment Committee, in addition to his membership on the Board of Directors of Al-Razizah Investment Company, and the Executive Committee of the Saudi-British and Saudi-Russian Business Councils, as well as his membership on the Audit Committee of Cheeb Arab Insurance Company.

Al-Razizah has previously held a number of leadership positions, including Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Province Chamber, Chairman of the Board of Directors of 'Iqal Al-Sharqiya', member of the Board of Trustees of 'Iqal Group', member of the Board of Directors of Dammam Technical College, Vice President of the Executive Council of the Youth Business Council in the Eastern Province Chamber, and Vice President of the National Committee for Youth Business, in addition to his previous membership on the Saudi-Japanese Business Council, as well as his executive career at Al-Raziza Trading and Contracting Company, which he began in 2002 before later taking over its executive leadership.