Al Ahli turn to Ahmed Al-Shanqeeti to lead club after Khaled Al-Ghamdi resignation

Ahmed Al-Shanqeeti is poised to take over as Al Ahli’s new president on an interim basis following the resignation of Khaled Al-Ghamdi, according to reports in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Ghamdi formally stepped down on Wednesday after three years in charge, with his departure approved by the board of the club’s operating company. He had previously announced his intention to leave the role he has held since 2023.

Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reports that Al Ahli’s company is moving to appoint Al-Shanqeeti, currently vice-president and head of the executive committee representing the Public Investment Fund (PIF), as president of the club’s board for the coming period.

The same report says Al-Shanqeeti was chosen because of the strong confidence he enjoys within the club’s structure, having been credited with handling a number of key internal files with what is described as a high level of efficiency.

Under the plan outlined, Al-Shanqeeti would lead the Saudi Pro League club for the next three months in a temporary capacity. However, there is an emerging inclination to keep him in post until the end of next season if the administrative situation stabilises and there is no pressing need for further change before then.

Al-Ghamdi’s record at Al Ahli

Al-Ghamdi leaves Al Ahli having presided over a period described internally as rich in achievements.

During his tenure, the club won the AFC Champions League Elite title in back-to-back seasons, securing continental success in consecutive campaigns. Al Ahli also ended a lengthy domestic wait by lifting the Saudi Super Cup for the first time in nine years.

Those honours came within the three-year spell that began when Al-Ghamdi took charge in 2023 and has now concluded with his resignation being rubber-stamped by the club company’s board.

Next move: Saudi FA presidency bid

Al-Ghamdi is not expected to be out of football for long. He is set to stand for the presidency of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, where he would succeed Yasser Al-Misehal.

Al-Misehal resigned after seven years at the helm of the federation, a decision taken in the wake of the Saudi national team’s exit from the 2026 World Cup in the group stage.

Al-Ghamdi will now seek to move from club leadership to the top administrative role in the domestic game, while Al Ahli prepare for a transition under the guidance of Al-Shanqeeti, whose interim spell could yet turn into a longer-term mandate if the club’s hierarchy decide continuity is in their best interests.