Badr bin Suleiman Al-Ruzaiza has been elected president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) for the sixth term, covering 2026–2030. He won by acclamation during an extraordinary general assembly held in Riyadh on 30 August 2026, succeeding Yasser Al-Misehal, whose presidency ran from 2019 to the end of the 2019–2026 term.
The vote concluded a formal timetable set by the SAFF Election Committee. Candidate applications were open from 22 July to 1 August 2026, with candidate lists reviewed between 2 and 7 August and a preliminary list announced on 8 August. Appeals were submitted to the Saudi Sports Arbitration Center from 9 to 13 August, adjudicated between 15 and 23 August, with results published on 24 August.
The last day to withdraw candidacy was 25 August, final lists were announced on 26 August, and the campaign period ran from 27 to 29 August, ahead of the assembly and acclamation on 30 August.
Al-Ruzaiza will lead a new board that includes Louay Mishabi as deputy president. Board members are Lamia bint Bahian, Fahd Al-Mansour, Salman Al-Sudairi, Thamer Al-Saadoun, Omar Al-Juraisi, Nicolas Coward, and Gerard Roudy. The mandate of the president and board in this cycle is four years, from 2026 to 2030.
Why it matters
With football holding a central place in Saudi sporting life, the leadership transition sets the direction for the game across the Kingdom over the coming four years. The election was conducted internally through the federation's general assembly, and official information and procedural updates on SAFF presidential and board elections are issued through the federation's own announcements and published timetable.
Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.
Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:
- Instagram - @saudiliving
- X - @saudiliving
- Facebook - @saudiliving
- YouTube - @saudiliving
Up Next
Al Ittihad beat Al Nassr 2-1 in Jeddah clash
Al Ittihad edged Al Nassr 2-1 in Jeddah thanks to a George Ilenikhena brace, handing the defending champions their first defeat of the season.
Sep 11,2026
Al Qadsiah's Quiñones Earns Ballon d'Or Nomination
Julian Quiñones, Al Qadsiah forward and Roshn Saudi League Golden Boot winner with 33 goals, is named on the 30-player 2026 Ballon d'Or shortlist.
Sep 11,2026
Watkins Scores on Al Hilal Debut in 3-0 Win
Al Hilal beat Al Ahli 3-0 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh as Ollie Watkins marked his debut with a goal in the Roshn Saudi League.
Sep 11,2026
Al-Ahli Beat Al-Ittihad in Sea Derby; Al-Hilal Rout
Al-Ahli edged Al-Ittihad in the Sea Derby while a late surge helped Al-Hilal cruise past Al-Najma in a busy round of Saudi league action.
Sep 11,2026Related Stories
Four Saudi Clubs Move to New Ownership
Oct 28,2026
Four Saudi Clubs Move to New Owners in 2023
Oct 27,2026
Don't Miss Similar Listings
Be the first to know when new stories on this topic are published.
