تزكية عبدالعزيز الفيصل رئيساً للاتحاد العربي

The General Assembly of the Arab Football Federation has appointed Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal as the President of the Federation Council by acclamation for a new term (2025-2029), during its 28th meeting held today (Monday) in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

The General Assembly also endorsed Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Isa Al Khalifa, Engineer Hani Abu Rida, Fawzi Lekjaa, Hashim Haidar, Abdullah Al Junaibi, Ahmed Yahya, and Dr. Moatasem Jaafar for membership in the Federation Council, in addition to the membership of the State of Palestine, represented by Jibril Rajoub, and the membership of the Women’s Institute, represented by Samar Nassar.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal welcomed the representatives of the General Assembly of the Arab Federation at the beginning of his speech, saying: “I welcome you to your second home, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and I thank you for your presence and participation in the works of the 28th meeting of the General Assembly of the Arab Federation, asking God Almighty to grant us all success in achieving the aspirations of those who love Arab football.”

He expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince, Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz for the continuous support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Federation and its programs and activities, stemming from their keenness to support Arab sports and enhance the capabilities of athletes in general, and football in particular. He added: “We are pleased today to begin a new electoral term, through which we look forward to working towards achieving the ambitions of all Arab athletes and enhancing the programs of this Federation and advancing them at a time when we all celebrate the passage of fifty years since its establishment, appreciating everyone who has worked in this Federation from presidents, officials, and leaders who have had a significant impact on the journey of the Federation and its contribution to the presence and distinction of Arab football.”

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal congratulated the brothers in the Kingdom of Morocco for winning the honor of hosting the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain, wishing them success in this edition. He added: “I express my great pride and honor in my country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, winning the right to host the 2034 World Cup, and we assure the world and football fans that they will experience a unique and exceptional experience in this edition, God willing.” He also wished success to the brothers in the State of Qatar in hosting and organizing the FIFA Arab Cup for national teams in 2025.

The President of the Arab Football Federation said: “We meet today under painful circumstances and developments that are not hidden from anyone, affecting the youth and athletes and causing them harm in the Gaza Strip in the sisterly State of Palestine, along with the subsequent destruction of infrastructure, buildings, and properties, including sports facilities and stadiums, which disrupts the Palestinian sports journey. Here, I extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathy on behalf of myself and all of you to the brotherly Palestinian people, and to the families of all victims and injured, including those affiliated with Palestinian football. We ask the Almighty for mercy and forgiveness for them all, and a speedy recovery for the wounded and injured. I am confident that FIFA will make further efforts to support the Palestinian Federation and overcome all difficulties, so that its teams and clubs can fulfill their sports message and achieve their national goals. I also express, on behalf of all of you, our solidarity with the brothers in the State of Qatar regarding the aggression they have faced.”

He added: “We look forward to the success of the Arab teams and their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, as we were pleased with the qualification of the teams of Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia, and we congratulate them on this achievement, wishing the remaining Arab teams success in the upcoming stage.”

On another note, the President of the Arab Football Federation, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, witnessed the signing ceremony of hosting agreements for the Arab Federation competitions with the federations of Egypt, Iraq, the UAE, Libya, Lebanon, and Mauritania, in addition to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. These agreements were signed by the Secretary-General of the Arab Federation, Dr. Rajallah Al-Sulami, with the secretaries of the federations, while an agreement was signed between the Arab Federation and Tempo Company for securing the referee teams for the Arab Federation competitions and launching its official ball, as well as signing with The Pro Company for sports marketing to market the sponsorship rights for the competitions of the Federation.

The Arab Football Federation Council had previously held its 79th meeting, chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, where it approved the administrative and financial reports of the General Secretariat. Then, the 80th meeting of the new council was held, where the first vice president, Engineer Hani Abu Rida, and the second vice president, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, were selected. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki congratulated the council members who were endorsed by the General Assembly. The council also approved the selection of the President of the Federation Council, the President of the Algerian Federation, and member of the Arab Federation Council, Walid Sadi.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, in the presence of the two vice presidents of the Federation, the first vice president, Engineer Hani Abu Rida, and the second vice president, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, and members of the Arab Football Federation Council and representatives of the General Assembly, reviewed the historical exhibition accompanying the General Assembly meetings, which was organized by the General Secretariat of the Arab Federation in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Federation's establishment.

Infographic

Highlights of football events in Arab countries

- Morocco hosting the World Cup 2030 with Spain and Portugal

- Saudi Arabia hosting the World Cup 2034

- Qatar hosting the FIFA Arab Cup 2025