Who Is the FIBA President? All You Need to Know About Qatar’s Billionaire Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani

The 2023 FIBA World Cup has delivered every bit of excitement expected from the prestigious tournament so far. From heroic performances to heartbreaking upsets, the tournament has had it all. However, the tournament also witnessed a significant change in the topmost position days before its start. Qatari national, Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani took over as FIBA President succeeding Hamane Niang.

This major transition in executives can always prove to be a weighty moment. However, FIBA have nothing to worry about, given Al Thani’s experience in the organisation. Rising in the ranks since 2002, Al Thani has made a reputable name for himself in the federation. Now, as President of FIBA, the Qatari will have a major task of supervising the FIBA World Cup. Here’s what you need to know about FIBA’s all-new billionaire president.

Who is the FIBA President?

Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani was elected unanimously as the President of FIBA in 2023. The Qatari served as one of the vice presidents of the governing body in 2019 before taking up the President position. He will hold the position from 2023 to 2027, after succeeding 71-year-old Hamane Niang.

Prior to his advancement as the FIBA President, Al Thani served as the FIBA Asia President from 2002. He served multiple terms as the head of FIBA’s most vivid and varied zone in terms of cultures, languages and regions. He previously served as the President of the Qatar BF and is also a Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.

After the XXII FIBA Congress elected Sheikh Soud as the President, he expressed his gratitude and honor of taking up the all-important role. “It is a great honor to take over this responsibility: for me, for my country of Qatar, and for our continent of Asia. I now represent the interests of all 212 National Federations across all five Regions,” he said.

He added, “Basketball is a global sport and this is our most important strength. I can only make one promise today and that is that I will work hard with the leaders of FIBA and the entire Central Board for the good of basketball and for the good of FIBA.”

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As FIBA is the international governing body for basketball, Al Thani’s role will not turn out easy. However, his experience in the field may help the Qatari to excel in this role.

Al Thani will have a pivotal role in the 2023 World Cup

The 2023 FIBA World Cup is naturally FIBA’s biggest event on the international stage. With a shot at automatic qualification for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, teams have a lot on the line. The newly-elected President will reportedly also make his way to Manila, the most significant venue of the 2023 FIBA World Cup for several days, especially during the pivotal last stages of the tournament.

The Central Board that elected Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani also elected Ingo Weiss as the Treasurer. Now, alongside the President and the Treasurer, a new Central Board made up of officers from 13 different countries, an NBA representative as well as a player representative will govern the federation. This Board will also have its first ever meeting in Manila during the ongoing World Cup. This will serve as their first ever meeting as newly elected members.

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While the tournament has gone on smoothly, the executives in the highest positions in basketball made a smooth transition. Now the prestigious World Cup will take center stage yet again.