JEDDAH — Dr. Adel Ezzat, former CEO of Saudi Paper Manufacturing Company, and managing director of marketing at Toyota ALJ Tuesday announced his candidacy for the post of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation ( SAFF) President in the upcoming elections. After filing the nomination papers and selecting his top executives, Ezzat said in a press conference held here in Jeddah to launch his election campaign under the slogan of "New Golden Era for Saudi Football, it was his right to lead the SAFF for the next four-year term that will start on December 31, 2016. He said, "Our vision is to develop and upgrade Saudi football in the best way. We want to take part in the World Cup again and again." He added, "Saudis have passion for football and we need to really open up our game to the other half of the world, with a global development." He stated that he and his team could be relied upon serving the Saudi football associations and lead SAFF through this critical transition. "With the support of the members of my team, I can lead the development of a new culture within SAFF so that football can thrive and realize its potential to positive effect. In summary, these are some of the key points that we believe that need to happen and that I will make happen if you give me your support," he added. Pledging to work tirelessly "in the interests of football", he said, "There are times in life when you have to take your destiny into your own hands." In his final comments, Ezzat confirmed that he and his campaign team are not promising but they are committed to implement all the objectives of their program. His campaign team consists of a list of well-known sports figures and financial experts. They are Talal Al-Shiekh, Abdulallah Maoumina, Nazih Abu Al-Nasser and Hamad Al-Sunaia. Ezzat decided to run after gaining enough support. He is confident of winning the battle to succeed Ahmed Eid Al-Harbi, current president of the SAFF. He highlighted his aspiration to unite Saudi football by bringing all together and offering them a common cause — "listening to everyone and respecting the diversity of the game around the country". He also highlighted the main topics of his program. "We would run SAFF as a professional organization, focused on football development and strengthening the association. We need to change football environment and bring it to its best." Ezzat holds a PhD in marketing from Paris University, as well as a master's degree in business administration from UK Manchester University. He has 20 years of experience in the fields of marketing, business administration, and development.
