Zurich, Switzerland: In a significant recognition of Qatar's administrative expertise, FIFA has announced its new slate of standing and independent committees for the 2025-2029 cycle. The appointments, decided at a recent meeting in Zurich, feature a prominent Qatari presence, underscoring international confidence in the nation's capability to contribute to the global development of football.

Leading the Qatari appointments is His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, the Minister of Sports and Honorary President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA). He has been selected as a FIFA Council member and the Council's delegate to the Men's National Teams Competitions Committee.

Further solidifying Qatar's influence, His Excellency Mr. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, President of the QFA, has been appointed as the Chairman of the FIFA Club Competitions Committee. In the legal domain, Mr. Salman Ahmed Al Ansari was chosen as a member of the Appeal Committee, one of FIFA's supreme judicial bodies responsible for reviewing disciplinary and arbitration decisions.

The realm of refereeing also sees continued Qatari leadership, with FIFA renewing its confidence in Mr. Hani Taleb Ballan. The Head of the Referees Committee at the QFA and AFC has been reappointed as Deputy Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, a position he has held since 2019.

Additional appointments include Mr. Mansoor Mohammed Al Ansari, General-Secretary of the QFA, who will serve on the Development Committee. Ms. Fatima Ali Al-Nuaimi, Communications and Media Executive Director at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, joins the FIFA Media and Communications Committee.