Bader Al Reziza has been elected president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), beginning a four-year term at the head of the country’s football governing body.
Al Reziza was elected by acclamation. His new board will include Lamia Bahaian, Fahad Al-Mansour, Salman Al-Sudairi, Thamer Al-Sadoun, Omar Al-Jeraisy, Nicholas Coward and Gerrard Roddy.
Al Reziza previously served as chairman of Al Qadsiah, the Al Khobar-based club managed by Brendan Rodgers. He was also a board member of the Aramco Stadium, which is scheduled to host matches at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
He succeeds Yasser Al Misehal, who stepped down after Saudi Arabia exited the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Al Misehal had served as SAFF president since 2016 and will retain his position on the FIFA Council for the time being.
The leadership change comes as Saudi Arabia prepares for one of the biggest projects in international football: hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi Arabia’s football strategy has expanded significantly in recent years, supported by major investment in infrastructure, clubs, players and international sporting events. The 2034 World Cup is expected to become a central component of the country’s broader sports development strategy.
The change at SAFF also comes amid heightened scrutiny surrounding FIFA President Gianni Infantino and plans concerning the commercialisation and future management of the World Cup.
Saudi Arabia recently offered support for Infantino despite taking a more muted position than the Asian Football Confederation. In a statement, SAFF said Infantino’s contribution to the global growth of football should be recognised and expressed support for FIFA’s leadership in efforts to restore unity within the football community.
Al Reziza’s appointment therefore comes at a strategically important moment for Saudi football, with the federation facing the task of preparing the national team and domestic football structure for the 2034 World Cup while continuing the country’s wider international expansion through sport.