The Lebanese Football Association renewed its support for Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), in a position announced by its President Hashem Haider during the international official’s visit to Lebanon, which witnessed the opening of a new stadium in the town of Chanet in the Aley district of Mount Lebanon, and the unveiling of the progress of studies for a project to establish an integrated football facility that includes a stadium, a training center and a headquarters for the Lebanese Federation.
Haider said: “I take this opportunity to announce that the Lebanese Football Association stands by you and supports you,” in an announcement that comes as the deadline for submitting nominations for the FIFA presidential elections approaches.
For his part, Infantino confirmed his connection to Lebanon and the International Federation’s continued support for football projects there, saying in Arabic: “Good morning Lebanon, good morning Shania... I am happy,” before adding: “I am happy because I am here, and as you know Lebanon is my home.” The FIFA President spoke about his aspirations for the future of Lebanese football, saying: “Together we will do many, many things. We will make Lebanon shine on the world football map, and on the global map.”
Infantino's visit included the opening of the FIFA Arena stadium in the town of Chanet, as part of a project aimed at providing football fields for children in local communities, and making them available to the people of neighboring villages, and not just the townspeople. Haidar explained that the project falls within a broader plan to establish similar playgrounds in other Lebanese regions, noting that hundreds of children and girls will be able to benefit from the new facility.
Regarding the infrastructure file, the President of the Lebanese Federation revealed that studies related to a new sports project, with the support of the International Federation, have reached their final stages, in preparation for the transition to implementation. The project includes the construction of a football stadium, a training center, and an administrative headquarters for the Lebanese Federation, allowing the collection of a number of technical and administrative activities in one facility. Haidar pointed out that a delegation from the Lebanese Federation, which included Secretary-General Jihad Al-Shahf and a representative of the President of the Republic, recently visited Morocco to see a facility similar to the project to be implemented in Lebanon. The financial cost of the project, its final location, or the specific timetable for starting and completing the work was not announced during the visit.
Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, sister of the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was elected Vice-President of the Qatar Olympic Committee at the Extraordinary General Assembly held today (Monday). Sheikha Hind, sister of the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, holds the position of Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. The General Assembly, which was held under the chairmanship of Sheikh Joaan, witnessed the appointment of Mohammed bin Youssef Al Mana as Vice President, after Dr. Thani bin Abdul Rahman Al Kuwari apologized for his position.
24 hours after his appointment, Ali Maher, the new Egypt national team coach, announced the list that will face Malawi in the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in football. The list witnessed the return of Al-Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy and Zamalek duo Mahmoud Hamdy “Al-Wansh” and Mohamed Shehata, in addition to the inclusion of Modern striker Mahmoud Mamdouh for the first time, while Al-Ahly club midfielder Imam Ashour was the most notable absentee. The Egyptian Football Association appointed Maher as technical director of the national team on Saturday evening after thanking Hossam Hassan, who was dismissed after a major controversy over disciplinary matters in recent days.
