The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) is the governing body responsible for organizing and managing football in Saudi Arabia. It oversees all domestic competitions and supervises the Saudi national team’s participation in international tournaments.

The federation was established on 2 Safar 1376 AH / 6 September 1956, and its headquarters is located in Riyadh. SAFF enjoys independent legal personality and has the right to establish subsidiary companies in accordance with the applicable regulations in the Kingdom to enhance its commercial and investment activities. SAFF is a member of FIFA, the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF), the Arab Football Federation (UAFA), and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). It adheres to the regulations and match schedules issued by FIFA and the AFC and operates football activities in accordance with the Laws of the Game set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and the International Federation of Association Football.

Structure of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation

SAFF consists of the General Assembly, which is the highest authority within the federation and comprises 49 members, chaired by the President of the Board of Directors. Decisions made by the General Assembly are binding on all affiliated entities. Below the General Assembly is the Board of Directors, which serves as the executive authority of the federation. Additionally, SAFF has permanent and temporary committees that perform advisory and cooperative functions, an Electoral Committee, Club Licensing Bodies, a General Secretariat that manages the federation’s administrative operations, judicial committees, and a Dispute Resolution Chamber.

Clubs Affiliated with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation

 SAFF oversees 171 football clubs across Saudi Arabia, covering all competitive levels: Premier, First, Second, Third, and Fourth divisions. It establishes the rules and regulations for competitions and domestic tournaments that it organizes or introduces. SAFF also determines the teams participating in each season, sets the start and end dates of competitions, awards titles and prizes, and hosts international tournaments and competitions.

Tournaments Organized by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation

SAFF is responsible for organizing various tournaments, including the King’s Cup, Roshn Saudi League, Diriyah Saudi Super Cup, Saudi Women’s Premier League, Saudi Women’s First Division League, Saudi Women’s Football Federation Cup, Yelo League (First Division), Second Division League, Third Division League, Saudi U-18, U-17, U-16, and U-15 Premier and First Division Leagues, the Saudi Futsal Premier and First Division Leagues, Saudi Futsal Federation Cup, Saudi Futsal Super Cup, Fourth Division Clubs Championship, Second Division U-18, U-17, U-16, and U-15 Clubs Championship, Women’s Second Division League, Saudi U-17 Girls Championship, Women’s Futsal Championship, Saudi eSports Championship, Regional Teams Championship (U-13), and the Leagues (U-14, U-13, U-12, and U-11).

Conclusion

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is the cornerstone of football organization and management in the Kingdom, operating under a legal and regulatory framework that ensures compliance with both local and international standards through its internal regulations and commitment to FIFA and AFC regulations. In alignment with Vision 2030, SAFF continues its efforts to modernize its system, whether by expanding sports investments or supporting clubs and players.