Saudi Football Federation sets election date following Al-Misehal resignation

JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has announced elections for a new president and board of directors will take place on Aug. 30.

The elections follow the resignation of its president, Yasser Al-Misehal, who stepped down after the Kingdom’s group-stage exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

SAFF's election committee approved the timetable for the 2026–2030 electoral cycle, with voting to take place during an extraordinary general assembly meeting.

Al-Misehal’s resignation comes after seven years at the helm of Saudi football. Announcing his departure, he said he accepted full responsibility for the national team’s performance at the 2026 World Cup and that his decision was intended to allow for a new chapter in the development of Saudi football.

Saudi Arabia finished bottom of its World Cup group with two points after drawing against Uruguay and Cape Verde and losing to Spain.

Under SAFF regulations, candidates for the presidency must have at least two years of leadership experience in either domestic or international football in the previous five years. Candidates must also hold a university degree, demonstrate proficiency in English, possess Saudi nationality and reside in the Kingdom.

They should also have no record of expulsion or suspension from a sports club, federation or governing body, be aged between 28 and 70, and have no convictions or disciplinary findings relating to dishonesty, integrity or breaches of trust, in line with amendments to the federation’s statutes approved on May 18.