MUSCAT: Key issues related to fairness, scheduling and development dominated the Oman Football Association (OFA) Ordinary General Assembly held in Muscat on Monday, with strong discussions among clubs and officials on the future of domestic football.
Clubs voiced concerns over the unequal implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, stressing that its inconsistent use across matches affects sporting fairness.
They also expressed dissatisfaction over match postponements due to national team training camps, calling for better coordination in scheduling.
The meeting, attended by 46 clubs out of 50 clubs, reviewed the federation’s recent achievements and future plans.
Sayyid Sulaiman bin Hamoud al Busaidy, Chairman of Oman Football Association (OFA), highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance governance, improve technical performance and strengthen institutional work across the football system.
The meeting also saw seven clubs barred from participating in the voting process — Dhank, Madha, Nakhal, Al Wusta, Al Ittifaq, Bukha and Al Hamra — due to their non-participation in federation activities for two years, while some of these clubs attended the meeting without having the right to vote.
GOVERNORATES TOURNAMENT
Among the key announcements was the launch of a new Governorates tournament set for next summer, alongside plans to establish four high-quality football academies aimed at developing young talent and supporting national teams.
On the technical side, the federation continues to expand its analytical capabilities through a dedicated sports analysis centre designed to improve data-driven decision-making. The current season has also seen the introduction of the Olympic League to nurture emerging players.
Financially, the assembly approved the audited 2025 accounts and the 2026 budget, reaffirming the federation’s commitment to transparency and sustainability.
Itِ also announced that 250 job opportunities will be created across clubs in coordination with the Ministry of Labour, supporting administrative and technical stability.
The meeting further addressed investment initiatives, including the operation of the OFA's hotel, aimed at diversifying revenue streams.
Discussions concluded with calls from clubs to enhance competition structures, ensure fairness in officiating technologies and strengthen grassroots development as part of the federation’s long-term strategy.
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