UAE official makes history with senior FIFA appointment

In a major milestone for UAE sports leadership, Counsellor Mohammed Al Kamali has been appointed Chairman of FIFA’s powerful Disciplinary Committee, becoming the first Asian to ever hold the position.

The announcement came during the 75th FIFA Congress held in Asunción, Paraguay, chaired by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and attended by global football representatives.

Al Kamali’s appointment is seen as a strong vote of confidence in the UAE’s growing influence in international football governance.

The UAE Football Association was represented at the session by Second Vice President Obaid Salem Al Shamsi, Board Member Amal Hassan Bu Shallakh, and Secretary-General Mohammed Abdullah Hazzam Al Dhaheri.

The Congress also featured a review of FIFA’s 2024 activities, financial updates and elections to key judicial committees.

On the sidelines, the UAE delegation held bilateral meetings with several member associations.

Al Kamali called the role a great honour and thanked the UAE’s leadership for its continued support and for empowering citizens to represent the country on the world stage.

He also extended appreciation to the UAE Football Association for championing national talent and enabling Emiratis to take on key roles in international sports governance.