Al Mohannadi pulls out of FIFA race, thanks West Zone members for support
DOHA: Qatar Football Association (QFA) Vice President Saud Al Mohannadi
has thanked AFC West Zone member associations after pulling out of the FIFA
Executive Committee race on Monday.
Al Mohannadi has uncontestedly won the Vice Presidency of AFC, West Zone, but
has since decided to roll back his candidacy for a seat at FIFA’s Executive Committee.
“I am grateful to the football fraternity for their wholehearted support,” Al Mohannadi
said on Monday.
“I congratulate AFC President for winning a second term as chief of Asian
football,” he added.
“I also want to thank QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed
Al Thani under whose leadership football in Qatar has developed manifold,
” Al Mohannadi said.
Al Mohannadi, who has enjoyed decades of association with football in
various capacities, was QFA secretary general for many years before
being promoted as vice president.
“I have picked up invaluable lessons over the last few years. I am grateful to
everybody in the association and my football colleagues who have stood by
me over the last so many years,” he said.
Al Mohannadi called on Ahmed Al Fahad and Khalid Al Busaidi to settle on one
candidate for the FIFA executive committee seat allocated to the West Zone,
saying it will be best to avoid all causes of division that could hinder the collective
will of bettering the game in the region.
“I pray and wish AFC and QFA the very best for all times to come,” he said.
“I hope Asian football remains united and prospers as a powerful football body,” he said.