Saudi Pro League considers scrapping five-year experience rule for president

The Saudi Pro League could appoint a president based on competence rather than previous experience under a proposed change discussed with clubs on Tuesday.

The General Assembly of the Saudi Pro League met with the league’s clubs on the afternoon of 6 October 2026 to consider amendments that could significantly alter the organisation in the coming years.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, the main proposal put forward was a change to the criteria for selecting the league president. Clubs were asked to consider replacing the existing requirement for at least five years’ experience with competence as the principal standard.

The proposal was put to a vote during the meeting, which began at 16:00 local time. The change would remove the current five-year experience condition for candidates seeking to lead the Saudi Pro League.

The Saudi Pro League’s current president is Omar Mugharbel, who has held the position since January 2024 and was appointed approximately three years ago.

If approved, the revised criteria could allow a candidate with limited experience of working within the league or its administration to become president, provided they are judged to have the necessary competence. The proposed approach would not place the same emphasis on age or previous experience.

The Saudi Pro League plays a central role in coordinating the work of clubs competing in the Roshn Saudi League. Its responsibilities include overseeing affiliated committees, among them the Recruitment Committee, which has significant influence over clubs’ transfer activity.

The planned amendment represents a potential change to the way the league’s leadership is selected, with the focus moving away from a defined period of experience and towards an assessment of ability.