24-06-2025
OFA to elect new chairman today
MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) will elect a new chairman and board for the 2025–2029 term on Wednesday. This election will mark a pivotal moment for the future of Oman's football with the incoming board expected to lead strategic efforts on both domestic and international events.
The new chairman of OFA and his members will have major responsibilities in the coming period including the national team which are currently in a crucial phase. Red Warriors will aim to secure a historic qualification spot in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Playoffs which will take place in coming October. In addition, the national team is scheduled to compete in the Arab Cup and CIS Asian event. At the youth level, the Olympic team will prepare for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers which is an important milestone in Oman's football development pathway.
On the domestic front, the new board will be tasked with advancing and enhancing the local competitions including the prestigious His Majesty's Cup, the Omantel League, and youth leagues such as the U-15, U-17, and U-19 categories in addition to the OFA Cup and other grassroots development initiatives.
Running for the chairmanship post are Sayyid Sulaiman bin Hamood al Busaidy and Dr Jassim bin Mohammed al Shukaili. Both candidates worked previously in the football career at OFA and the domestic clubs. The candidates who are competing for the vice chairman are Sayyid Musallam bin Salim al Busaidy, Qutaiba bin Said al Ghailani, and Nasr bin Hamood al Wahaibi.
Salim al Wahaibi, OFA Chairman
For the board membership seats, twelve candidates are contesting from which only three will be selected. These include Hassan bin Abdullah al Ajmi, Said bin Ali al Busaidy, Ali bin Ahmed al Kathiri, Ali bin Abdullah al Raisi, Abdullah bin Salim al Shanfari, Mohammed bin Ali al Maqbali, Abdullah bin Ali al Kamzari, Nasser bin Salim al Haddabi, Abdullah bin Ali al Rashdi, Nasser bin Suleiman al Alawi, Abdullah bin Mohsin al Jabri and Ibrahim bin Murad al Balushi. Mohammed bin Khamis al Oraimi secured the reserved seat representing the Players committee. In the category of the women's seat, the candidates are Fatma bint Ibrahim al Fazariyah and Hajar bint Khamis al Muzainiyah.
This year's election marks a significant advancement in the OFA's governance practices as voting will be conducted for the first time via a Fifa-approved electronic and digital system. A dedicated team of technical experts will be on-site to manage the system and ensure a smooth, transparent, and secure voting process. As the association moves toward a new era of leadership, the OFA Chairman Salim al Wahaibi shared a farewell message as he is leaving his post after two consecutive terms.
'After a journey that spanned two consecutive terms since 2016, I hereby announce my departure as chairman of OFA. I have had the honour of serving Omani football from a position of responsibility, navigating an administrative journey filled with challenges and ambitions. I step down from this position, but not from the love, pride, or deep connection I hold for this institution, which will always remain close to my heart.
"I sincerely wish the very best to whoever takes on the responsibility next, and I hope they build upon what has been achieved with a renewed spirit, fresh vision and commitment to realising all that we aspire to for Oman, its football, and its supporters," Al Wahaibi said.
