World Cup qualification ‘top priority', says newly elected OFA chairman

Times of Oman

3 days ago

Muscat: Newly elected Oman Football Association (OFA) Chairman Sayyid Sulaiman bin Hamoud Al Busaidi has declared 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification as the association's foremost goal, pledging a strategic push toward raising Oman's international football profile.
'Qualifying for the World Cup is our top priority and a shared ambition. We will focus intensely on this goal and will soon convene with the national team's technical and administrative staff,' said Al Busaidi in his first remarks after securing the presidency for the 2025–2029 term on Wednesday.
'We will also work to develop local competitions, secure appropriate support, and establish an Olympic-category league to deepen our footballing base.'
Al Busaidi won the election with 30 out of 43 votes cast by eligible club representatives from the 49 clubs during the OFA Extraordinary General Assembly held Tuesday at the OFA headquarters in Seeb.
Al Busaidi defeated his only rival Dr Jassim bin Mohammed Al Shukaili for the chairmanship.
The election marked a new chapter for the sport in the Sultanate, with the leadership transition carried out via FIFA-approved electronic voting for the first time in the association's history —part of a broader initiative to increase transparency and speed in the electoral process.
The General Assembly opened with the verification of a legal quorum, followed by approval of the agenda.
The outgoing chairman, Sheikh Salim Said Al Wahaibi, delivered his farewell speech, reflecting on the achievements of his two-term tenure. 'The partnership between the association and the clubs is the foundation for football's success and development in the Sultanate. I urge everyone to continue working together and contributing fruitfully to elevate Omani football to new heights,' he said.
Al Wahaibi emphasised that the primary objective throughout his leadership was 'to advance the Omani football system in all its components, particularly competitions, national teams, and refereeing, and to build effective bridges of cooperation with various partners at both local and international levels.'
Following the chairman's election, Eng. Qutaiba Said Al Ghailani was elected Deputy Chairman, receiving 22 votes. Hajar Khamis Al Muzaini secured the board's female seat with 25 votes.
The three board members elected were Abdullah Salim Al Shanfari, Abdullah Ali Al Rashidi, and Ali Hamad Al Kathiri.
Mohammed Khamis Al Araimi was unanimously selected as the players' representative to the board, after being nominated by the Football Players' Association to complete the board of directors for the 2025–2029 term.
The OFA's basic law includes regulations governing candidacy and membership. Article 39 prohibits dual roles, barring board members from simultaneously holding positions in club boards, judicial committees, or electoral bodies. Those assuming conflicting roles must resign and document their resignation within seven days of election, or their OFA membership is voided. Additionally, Article 37(4) restricts the presidency or board membership to a maximum of two terms, consecutive or otherwise, reinforcing administrative rotation and opportunities for new leadership.
Al Busaidi emphasised that his board will aim for both international competitiveness and domestic development, signaling a broad-based reform agenda ahead.