The Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced on Sunday that its general assembly had endorsed Badr bin Sulaiman bin Abdullah Al-Ruzaiza as president of its board for the sixth term covering 2026 to 2030. Al-Ruzaiza stood as the only eligible candidate after competing lists were disqualified during the official vetting process that followed a timetable set on July 16. The federation’s election committee completed review of appeals and withdrawals by August 25 before confirming the final slate ahead of the extraordinary general assembly in Riyadh.
According to the federation, Al-Ruzaiza will be joined by Loay bin Omar bin Awad Mishabi as vice president along with board members Lamia bint Ibrahim Bahyan, Fahad bin Adnan Al-Mansour, Salman bin Muteb Al-Sudairy, Thamer bin Abdullah Al-Saadoun, Omar bin Abdulrahman Al-Juraisi, Nicholas Arthur Coward and Gerard Bernard Rudy. The assembly’s decision formalised the uncontested outcome after the list met all regulatory conditions. This structure replaces the previous board that had operated under former president Yasser Al-Misehal.
Al-Misehal had tendered his resignation following the national team’s group-stage elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a development widely reported across Saudi sports outlets in the preceding weeks. The transition occurs as the federation seeks to maintain momentum built during the prior seven-year tenure. Al-Ruzaiza, who stepped down from the presidency of Al-Qadsiah club only a month earlier, brings club-level administrative experience to the national governing body.
In remarks carried by the federation and quoted by Al-Riyadiya after the endorsement, Al-Ruzaiza thanked his predecessor and the outgoing board. “Seven years were not easy for the previous board, and we thank our colleagues for what they provided and what they did during their previous term,” he said. He added that substantial work lay ahead, stating, “There is a great deal of work ahead of us, and we seek to do more work and development, and for our sport to be at the forefront of the countries of the world.”
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation, established in 1955 and a FIFA member since 1956, oversees a domestic league that has attracted prominent international players in recent seasons. Al-Ruzaiza outlined ambitions to secure stronger performances in the Gulf Cup and Asian Cup during his tenure. His election by acclamation reflects broad consensus within the general assembly membership comprising clubs and stakeholders.
Federation officials indicated the new board would now focus on implementing its programme after the formal handover. The process adhered strictly to the electoral calendar published in mid-July, ensuring procedural transparency. Al-Ruzaiza assumes leadership at a time when Saudi football continues to expand its infrastructure and international partnerships.
