In a highly anticipated election, Mamady Doumbouya has been elected as the new president of the Guinean Football Federation (FGF). The election took place on October 27, eight months after Bouba Sampil's dismissal. Doumbouya, the current director-general of the ARPT and PCA of Union FC de Conakry, secured 21 votes, surpassing Mamadou Antonio Souaré, who received 18 votes. A total of 52 members cast their ballots, with one member not voting due to lack of mandate from their club.
The FGF presidential election had four candidates, including Mamadou Antonio Souaré, Ibrahima Kalil Kaba, Mohamed Chérif Haïdara, and Mamady Doumbouya. Doumbouya's list, "Renouveau football RF-224," gained the most support, despite him not addressing the voters directly on the day of the election. His campaign promises focused on serving the football community with devotion. The election outcome marks a new chapter for Guinean football, which has faced repeated crises over the past decade.
Mamady Doumbouya's election may signify a desire for renewal within the FGF, which has been plagued by internal conflicts and struggles. His presidency, which will run from 2026 to 2030, will focus on addressing key issues such as governance, national competition development, and infrastructure improvement. Doumbouya will need to work on rebuilding trust and demonstrating that his election is not just a change in leadership but a starting point for the reconstruction of Guinean football.
Before the election, various stakeholders, including the secretary-general of the FGF, representatives from international institutions, and the minister of sports, emphasized the importance of unity, stability, and good governance. Ahmed Yahya, representing FIFA, highlighted Guinea's rich football talent, citing players like Sehrou Guirassy and Naby Déco Keita. He stressed that realizing this potential requires suitable investments and solid governance, including well-trained educators, regular competitions, and adapted infrastructure.
Ahmed Yahya urged the candidates to accept the election results and continue their commitment to serving football. He emphasized that winning an election is an opportunity to serve, not to exclude others. The minister of sports, Cellou Baldé, also called for unity, stability, and good governance, emphasizing that Guinean football's ambitions require a structured and professionalized federation.
Cellou Baldé highlighted that football performance relies not only on player talent but also on quality management, project continuity, transparency, and leadership accountability. He encouraged the new team to prioritize unity, reconstruction, and hard work during their mandate. The minister also emphasized that Guinean football belongs to the nation and its people, not to individuals, clans, or teams.
As Mamady Doumbouya begins his presidency, he faces the challenge of transforming his promises into actions and restoring trust within the football community. His success will depend on his team's ability to work together and avoid past practices that hindered Guinean football's growth. With the right approach, Doumbouya's election could mark a turning point for the sport in Guinea.
Key points
- Mamady Doumbouya was elected as the new president of the Guinean Football Federation with 21 votes.
- The election took place on October 27, eight months after Bouba Sampil's dismissal.
- Doumbouya's presidency will focus on addressing key issues such as governance, national competition development, and infrastructure improvement.
