Yasser Al-Misehal, former president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, has revealed the circumstances behind his departure after seven years at the head of the organization, confirming that the Saudi national team’s results at the 2026 World Cup were one of the main reasons behind his decision to step down and open the door for a new administration to lead Saudi football. ⚽🇸🇦
His comments came before the official handover to the new board headed by Badr Al-Ruzaiza, bringing to an end a period that witnessed major developments across Saudi football, including the national team, domestic competitions and the wider sporting system.
Al-Misehal stressed that his decision was not driven by a desire to distance himself from Saudi football, but rather by his belief that new leadership should be given the opportunity to bring different ideas and ambitions while continuing the development work started by the previous administration.
2026 World Cup Results Behind His Departure
Yasser Al-Misehal explained that the Saudi national team’s results at the 2026 World Cup had a direct influence on his decision to leave the presidency of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
Speaking at a press conference, as reported by Asharq Al-Awsat, he said: “I always told myself that the 2026 World Cup should surpass what we achieved in 2022. After the World Cup ended, I found that the objective had not been achieved, so I preferred that there be new blood, and the national team’s World Cup result was one of the main reasons for my departure.”
His comments show that Al-Misehal had set a specific target for the Saudi national team at the global tournament and expected its latest campaign to go beyond what was achieved at the 2022 World Cup.
After that objective was not achieved, he believed the time was right for new leadership capable of presenting a different vision and continuing the development project. ⭐
Seven Years Leading Saudi Football
Yasser Al-Misehal completed a seven-year period as president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, during which Saudi sport underwent significant changes and attention around the national teams, competitions and football development increased.
Speaking about his experience, Al-Misehal stressed that the responsibility was not easy and that managing an organization as large as the Saudi federation requires dealing with multiple complex files and rising expectations.
With his departure, the responsibility now passes to a new board that must preserve the gains made during the previous period while addressing areas that still require improvement.
Saudi National Team Ranking Improved
Al-Misehal discussed one of the indicators he believes reflects the development achieved by the Saudi national team over recent years: its international ranking.
He said: “The biggest challenge is certainly that the sporting public looks at the results of the national team. When we started, the ranking was 70, and today it is 58 and first in the Gulf.”
He acknowledged that the improvement was positive but stressed that it was not sufficient given the much larger ambitions surrounding Saudi football.
He added that this progress “is not enough because our ambition is always at the highest levels,” underlining the high expectations surrounding the national team.
Ambitions Go Beyond Improving the Ranking
Al-Misehal considers an improved international ranking an indicator of progress, but not the ultimate objective for Saudi football.
The real ambition, in his view, is achieving stronger results at major competitions and reaching competitive levels that match the resources and support available to Saudi sport.
The new administration therefore faces a challenge that extends beyond maintaining the current ranking, as it will need to continue developing the national team and producing better results in upcoming competitions. 🏆
Al-Misehal Supports Badr Al-Ruzaiza
The former federation president also discussed his relationship with Badr Al-Ruzaiza, who now leads the federation, stressing that the electoral process was not a personal competition for him.
Al-Misehal explained that Al-Ruzaiza contacted him when he was considering running for the position and that he welcomed the idea of having several candidates because he wanted a new administration capable of continuing the development process.
He said: “Badr contacted me when he was considering running. There was more than one candidate, and I actually encouraged and supported them because I wanted someone to continue this journey, and that is how a sporting institution should operate.”
The comments underline Al-Misehal’s belief that institutional work should go beyond individual personalities and positions and that a change in leadership should not necessarily mean that development projects or existing files come to an end. 🤝
No Personal Competition in the Election
Al-Misehal stressed that the election was not a personal battle against any candidate but rather a process designed to select the administration best suited to lead the federation during the next phase.
He emphasized that leadership changes are natural within sporting institutions and that the priority should be continuity and the interests of Saudi football rather than personal considerations.
This approach could allow the new administration to begin its work in a relatively stable environment while benefiting from the experience accumulated over recent years.
No Specific Recommendations for the New Board
Regarding whether he transferred specific recommendations or files to the new administration, Yasser Al-Misehal said he did not provide special recommendations or specific instructions.
He emphasized that the new board has the ability to manage the coming phase and make the decisions it considers appropriate according to its own vision.
The position reflects Al-Misehal’s desire to give the new leadership full space to work without imposing the previous administration’s approach on the new board.
Respect for Institutional Work
Al-Misehal’s approach to the leadership transition emphasizes the importance of institutional work, with the belief that sporting organizations must continue regardless of changes in personnel.
Projects and plans should not depend on a single individual. Instead, they should pass from one administration to another, with adjustments and improvements according to the needs of each new phase.
From this perspective, Al-Misehal appears determined to continue supporting Saudi football away from any official position.
What Awaits Badr Al-Ruzaiza?
Badr Al-Ruzaiza begins his tenure at a time of major expectations, particularly regarding the Saudi national team and domestic football.
One of the key priorities will be continuing the development of the national team and achieving better results in major tournaments, alongside improving the various sectors of the federation and its competitions.
The new administration will also need to build on the strengths established during the previous period while addressing issues that did not produce the desired results.
The 2026 World Cup Became a Turning Point
The Saudi national team’s 2026 World Cup campaign became a decisive reference point in the assessment of the previous phase, according to Yasser Al-Misehal.
The former federation president expected the national team to surpass its previous World Cup performance, and when that target was not achieved, he decided to give a new administration the opportunity to lead.
This highlights the scale of the pressure and ambition surrounding Saudi football, particularly given the major support the sport receives in the Kingdom. 🇸🇦🔥
Al-Misehal Leaves the Position, Not Saudi Football
Although his presidency has ended, Yasser Al-Misehal confirmed that he will continue serving Saudi football away from official positions.
The move demonstrates that leaving an administrative role does not necessarily mean ending a relationship with the sport, particularly after years of experience within the football system.
At the same time, Badr Al-Ruzaiza’s administration begins a new phase in which it will be expected to turn major ambitions into results on the pitch.
A New Era for Saudi Football
With Badr Al-Ruzaiza taking over as president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Saudi football enters a new phase with multiple objectives, from national-team development to improving competitions and the wider football system.
The biggest challenge will be preserving the achievements of recent years while continuing to pursue higher standards and stronger results, particularly for the Saudi national team.
✨ Yasser Al-Misehal’s departure comes after seven years of leadership, with the 2026 World Cup among the key factors behind his decision. He leaves with a clear message: development must continue, and Saudi football must progress from one administration to the next toward greater ambitions.
📢 Do you believe Yasser Al-Misehal’s departure and Badr Al-Ruzaiza’s new leadership represent an opportunity for the Saudi national team? What should be the new administration’s first priority? Share your opinion in the comments. ⚽🇸🇦🔥
