Sheikh Al-Yousef set for unopposed re-election as Vice President race intensifies

The Kuwait Football Association headquarters.

KUWAIT CITY, April 15: Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef is set to retain the presidency of the Kuwait Football Association (KFA) after emerging as the sole candidate following the close of nominations for the 2026–2030 board elections. With no challengers, his re-election will come by acclamation.

In contrast, the battle for the vice presidency is shaping up to be highly competitive. Four candidates have entered the race: Sheikh Nasser Al-Adhbi (Qadsia), Deyaan Al-Deyaan (Kuwait Club), Khaled Al-Qabandi (Al-Arabi), and Ayman Al-Husseini (Kazma). The presence of multiple contenders is expected to split votes among member clubs, raising the possibility of a closely fought outcome.

For board membership, Dalal Al-Mudhaf stands unopposed for the women’s seat, securing her place automatically. Other candidates include Fahad Al-Hemlan (Al-Fahaheel), Salem Saadoun (Al-Tadamon), Ahmad Ajab (Al-Sahel), Nasser Al-Adwani (Al-Nasr), Dr. Adel Al-Adwani (Burgan), and Nawaf Anad (Al-Sulaibikhat).

The election committee has begun reviewing applications ahead of formally approving the candidate list for the vote, scheduled for May 20.

Sheikh Al-Yousef had earlier announced a proposed slate that included Mubarak Abdulaziz (vice president for financial and administrative affairs) and Ayman Al-Husseini (vice president for technical affairs), along with Fahad Al-Hemlan, Majed Awad, Dr. Ahmad Ajab, and Dalal Al-Mudhaf as board members. However, changes have since occurred, with some names withdrawing and others entering the race.

Sheikh Al-Yousef has been leading the KFA in an interim capacity since October 2024, following the resignation of the previous board headed by Abdullah Al-Shahin. The current board has also seen departures, including Osama Hussein and Hanan Al-Hardan.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff