Khaled Al-Ghamdi to leave Al Ahli Saudi role with Saudi FA presidency bid imminent

Khaled Al-Ghamdi has decided to resign as president of Al Ahli Saudi, bringing an end to his two-year spell in charge of the Jeddah club’s administrative set-up on Saturday.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Jazirah, Al-Ghamdi plans to submit his resignation from the Al Ahli presidency before formally announcing on Sunday that he will run for the top job at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

The federation has already opened the door for candidates to stand in its upcoming elections, which are scheduled for 30 August, following the resignation of former president Yasser Al-Misehal at the end of last month.

Al-Ghamdi is expected to reveal full details of his campaign on Sunday, including the composition of his electoral list. Saudi daily Al Riyadiya previously reported that his slate will feature former players and administrators with previous experience in Saudi football.

Context of Al-Ghamdi’s departure

His decision to leave Al Ahli Saudi comes amid a broader move towards cancelling board elections for non-profit institutions, specifically at Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, in preparation for those clubs to be offered for sale.

Al-Ghamdi’s exit therefore coincides with a significant structural shift in how some of the kingdom’s biggest football institutions are governed and owned.

The 53-year-old departs after what has been described as a highly successful period for the Jeddah side. During his tenure, Al Ahli Saudi won the AFC Champions League Elite title twice and lifted the Saudi Super Cup for the first time in nine years.

His two-year spell at the helm is regarded internally as having delivered one of the club’s most fruitful eras in terms of silverware and visibility, particularly on the continental stage.

Fallout from Saudi national team’s World Cup exit

The presidential race at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation was triggered by the departure of Yasser Al-Misehal, who stepped down after the Saudi Arabia national team failed to progress beyond the group stage at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Saudi Arabia finished bottom of Group H with two points, a result that intensified scrutiny of the federation’s leadership and ultimately led to Al-Misehal’s resignation.

With the federation now seeking new leadership, Al-Ghamdi’s anticipated candidacy will come with the backing of figures who have been directly involved in Saudi football, as he looks to translate his club-level success at Al Ahli Saudi into the national administrative arena.

Further details of his programme, key priorities and supporting team are set to be unveiled on Sunday, when he is expected to formally launch his bid for the presidency.