Franco-Saudi football development partnership
The French and Saudi Arabian Football Federations signed a partnership agreement on Tuesday September 19th in Paris, focusing on training for coaches and support in the creation of a Research Center.
Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), and Yasser Al Misehal, president of the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF), put pen to paper on Tuesday morning at the FFF headquarters in Paris, on a new partnership deal linking the two federations. This three year agreement mainly concerns training programs for both male and female coaches, along with FFF support for the SAFF in the creation of a Saudi Football Research Center.
“We are very happy with this agreement. This cooperation with the SAFF strengthens our links and allows the FFF to impart its know-how, which in turn contributes to promoting French football on the international scene,” stated Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation.
“This partnership cements our excellent relationship with the FFF,” underlined Yasser Al Misehal, president of the Saudi Football Federation. “We are delighted by the positive impact that this agreement will have on the development of Saudi football, further strengthening our presence on the international scene, and accentuating the strong bond between Saudi and French football.”
Six technical training courses will be provided by the FFF over three years, drawing on the know-how of its National Technical Directorate (DTN). These courses concern the Professional Football Coaching Certificate (BEPF), the Football Trainer Coaching Certificate (BEFF), the Physical Training Coaching Certificate, the Goalkeeping Coaching Certificate, the Attacking Coaching Certificate & Defending and Management Training.
From left to right: Hubert Fournier, National Technical Director at the FFF, Philippe Diallo, President of the FFF, Lamai Bahaian, Vice-President of the SAFF, Laura Georges, Secretary General of the FFF, Yasser Al Misehal, President of the SAFF, and Nasser Larguet, National Technical Director of the SAFF (photo Germain REZÉ / FFF).