Kamal Shaddad

Kamal Shaddad (; born 1935) is a Sudanese professor of Philosophy, journalist and sport administrator. He was the President of the Sudanese Football Association for more than 20 years between 1988 and 2021.

Early life and education Kamal Hamid Shaddad was born in El-Obeid, North Kurdufan, Sudan, in 1935. Shaddad graduated with an honors degree in literature from the University of Khartoum and also a master's degree from the same university. After that, Shaddad obtained PhD from the University of London in 1970. He was a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Khartoum, and head of the department.

Football career

Journalism Shaddad started his football career as a player for the Abu Anja team, Omdurman, in the mid-fifties. He was unable to continue his football career for health reasons, so he moved to work in the field of sports journalism. He became the President of the Sudanese Olympic Committee between 1988 and 1997. He later became a coach and led many Sudanese clubs. He became the coach of the Sudan national football team between 1964 and 1967. At that time, Sudan won the silver medal in the 1965 Arab Games in Cairo after losing the gold medal to Egypt. He was also able to lead the Al-Hilal Club team to reach the 1987 African Cup of Champions Clubs final for the first time in its history. He also worked as a lecturer in the International Federation of Football and the African Confederation.

On 25 July 2010, he declared that he would fight for his right to run for re-election despite being barred by a local football association and the federal commission. The commission cited a law stating that Shaddad cannot run for a third term without holding an international football position recognised by the sports ministry. Shaddad rejected the decision, threatened to involve FIFA, and criticised the excessive nomination fee. FIFA warned that Sudan could face suspension or expulsion if there was continued government interference. The Sudan Sports Commission defended its decision, claiming compliance with Sudanese and FIFA regulations. Political interference in football has led to sanctions in the past, with Nigeria, Kenya, and Guinea facing repercussions. However, in August 2010, Shadad withdrew his nomination and his deputy Mutasim Jaafar Sarkhatm.

On 29 October 2017, Shaddad was elected as the president of the Sudan Football Association (SFA) for the 2017–2021 after securing 33 out of 62 votes, defeating the incumbent chairman Mutasim Jaafar, who received 28 votes. The voting process was closely monitored by CAF (Confederation of African Football) Executive Committee member Suleiman Hassan Waberi and FIFA Regional Development Manager David Fani. The SFA's membership was previously frozen due to government interference when the Sudanese Minister of Justice certified an election that was not approved by the FIFA.

Shaddad managed to hold onto his position despite his term having ended. FIFA had previously agreed on a roadmap for elections with the SFA and the Al-Merrikh SC. Al -Merrikh, founded in 1908, holds a prominent position in Sudanese football politics, having won numerous league titles and cups. The club's president, Adam Sudacal, an ally of Shaddad, was seeking re-election and had received support from Shaddad. Election dates were scheduled and canceled, and when a stadium meeting was flooded, tensions escalated. Eventually, the club's general assembly took place at an alternative venue, with fans protesting outside against Shaddad and demanding change. State emergency police intervened, using tear gas and batons against the crowd.

Shaddad was finally removed from the office and Mutasim Jaafar Sarkhatm was elected on 13 November 2021.

Personal life Shaddad is married to Ibtisam Hassab Al-Rasoul, and they have a daughter, Amna Al-Rayyan.