Firas Tait Takes Charge and Starts Plan to Rebuild Syria’s Soccer System

New football leader starts big changes in Syria’s sports, calling for working together, being honest, and slowly fixing the sport.

In a general assembly organized by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and the Asian Football Confederation, Firas Tait gained 42 votes to Jamal Al-Sharif's 23 to become the president of the Syrian Football Federation. The outcome provides an opportunity to improve the country's damaged soccer system. The change in leadership coincides with Syrian sports' ongoing struggles following years of political influence, facility damage, and the loss of player and coach.

Tait stated that his leadership represents a new beginning and a move toward long-overdue reform and growth in Syrian soccer, after years of failures. Additionally, Firas Tait’s election and the new board represent a larger effort to rebuild Syrian soccer on the values of integrity and transparency. He asked for a realistic, systematic strategy that values the interests of the country and the football community and asked all stakeholders to join in the change.

According to Tait the federation aims to use every tool at its service to achieve its goals, adding that any meaningful reform needs input from players and clubs, including constructive criticism. This is where real change starts, and it's a lengthy procedure that calls for trust and patience. Together, they can also help Syrian football have a better future.

Firas Tait, who will serve a four-year term has promised to start a plan that includes strengthening youth programs reviewing the promotion and relegation system improving the domestic league providing clubs with financial and technical support, and setting up a new refereeing structure.