Muscat, 28 April 2007 - With the Oman Football Association's first-ever elections this month, Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaid has announced his intention to run for Chairman of the Association as part of his national duty to pave the road for Oman's football success and international stardom.

In addition to his reputed commercial successes as Chairman of SABCO Group and ONIC Holdings and extensive football experience which dates back to 1986 with numerous history making milestones of the Fanja Club under his strategic leadership both on a local and regional level, Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad believes that now is the time for new blood and an ambitious vision to be set forward for the Association. "I have received numerous requests from sports officials and club members to run for Chairman in the upcoming elections and after careful consideration, I agreed to do so to harness and augment the commended efforts of the Association and to fully realize the nation's dreams and potential of the sport instilling commercial and social value in the community at large," he said.

Sayyid Khalid expressed that the success of the Oman Football Association is contingent upon a comprehensive assessment and re-evaluation of the Association, addressing the challenges and changing mindsets on the way football as a sport is perceived, "Omani football has come along way with great successes but now we need to exploit the tremendous potential and talent available, raise the bar and benchmark our efforts to international standards." He added, "There is deep rooted passion for football in Oman but it needs to be translated into a long-term sustainable strategy of which I intend to spearhead. We need to understand the needs of all stakeholders such as the Clubs, Government, football players and the community in order for us to build this strategy".   

As Vice-Chairman of the Fanja Club in 1986 and Chairman from 1988-1991, Sayyid Khalid was able to channel the passion and enthusiasm of football into recognized successes such as the triumphant victory of the Gulf Clubs Competition in Bahrain in 1989. A composer, businessman and football enthusiast, Sayyid Khalid believes that he will build a thriving football industry in the Sultanate.

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:
Hassan Al Saleh
TRACCS Public Relations
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Email: hassan.alsaleh@traccs.net

© Press Release 2007