What are the strategic initiatives that led to the advancement of football in Jordan?
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In the ever-evolving landscape of football transformations across the MENA region, enthusiasts are naturally drawn to Saudi Arabia's allure for elite stars, Qatar's colossal infrastructure making it a prime destination for mega-events, and Morocco's outstanding sporting performances. However, amidst these highlights, the question arises: which country can stake a claim to being the most underrated football nation in MENA?
Considered a strong contender for the title of the most underrated football nation in the MENA region, Jordan has recently captured attention with its remarkable performance in the 2024 AFC Asian Cup. The tournament witnessed unprecedented football moments as Jordan reached the finals, marking the highest success in their history. However, this journey to glory was not a sudden occurrence. Why, then, is Jordan underrated?
Despite a lack of widespread recognition and not qualifying for major tournaments until 2004, Jordan boasts a rich footballing history with the third oldest league in the region. The inaugural edition of the tournament dates back to 1944, featuring four teams initially. Over the years, it has evolved into its current structure with 12 teams, five of which are based in the capital, Amman.
The tournament has seen a fair share of competitiveness, with eight different champions. Al Faisaly (35 titles) and Al Wehdat (17 titles) have been dominant forces, contributing to the league's rich profile. Additionally, the league holds the distinction of being the second most-titled in AFC Cup competition, with Al Faisaly (2 titles) and Shabab Al Ordon (1 title) securing three titles collectively. Jordan's football legacy stands as a testament to its underrated status, built on a foundation of historical prestige and sustained excellence.
The Jordanian National Team, once off the radar for many decades with limited competitive exposure, experienced a turning point in the late '90s. Despite minimal participation in continental qualification games and Arab championships, notable achievements in the AFC Asian Cups for 'U16 (1) & U19 (2)' age groups marked the initial spark. The transformative success came in the form of two consecutive Arab Games gold medals in 1997 and 1999.
These victories ignited a passion within the nation's people, transforming them from mere passionate fans to ambitious youngsters hungry for glory. The Jordan Football Association (JFA) seized this momentum, implementing strategic, long-term plans to position Jordan as a football creative hub in the region. Noteworthy initiatives included the establishment of the Prince Ali Youth Center in 2003, a pivotal project that elevated the country's football performance across various levels.
The JFA's commitment to sustainable projects extended to the creation of the West Asia Football Federation (WAFF) in 2000. This initiative not only showcased Jordan's extraordinary efforts but also provided a platform for sustainable competitions, unlocking numerous opportunities for the region's disadvantaged Member Associations. The impact has been evident in the improved football performance of these MAs, both pre and post WAFF establishment, showcasing the enduring success of Jordan's strategic approach to football development.
JFA's Visionary Strategy
In 1999, the National Team found itself in the 126th position in the FIFA rankings. Despite noted successes and the appointment of HRH Prince Ali as president, the JFA harbored ambitious plans to elevate the game's standing within the country. The groundwork began with a commitment to long-term technical staff stability, exemplified by National coach Mohamed Awwad. Awwad, who had previously served as an assistant under three different foreign coaches, went on to lead the team for an impressive 7-year period, culminating in two significant achievements.
The FA's emphasis on long-term strategic planning and a youth development approach guided subsequent selections of National Team coaches. Notable figures like Mahmoud El Gohary, Nilo Vingada, and Adnan Hamad were considered, but it was Gohary's tenure that marked the true beginning. Serving concurrently as the National Team coach and the FA's Technical Director, Gohary introduced unique methodologies. Sending his technical staff to scout players from second-division games was one such innovation, resulting in the discovery of Amer Shafie, Jordan's current most capped player. Shafie made his debut while playing for the second-division side Al-Yarmook.
Gohary's tenure proved transformative, forming a resilient squad that achieved the country's first-ever major tournament qualification for the 2004 AFC Asian Cup. This success was followed by historic quarterfinal qualifications, concurrently propelling the National Team to its highest-ever FIFA ranking of 37th in August 2004. The JFA's visionary strategy and commitment to long-term development were now visibly shaping Jordan's football landscape.
Jordan's 'Aspire': Nurturing Football Excellence
Recent revelations illuminated the senior management at the Football Association (FA) about Jordan's untapped wealth of youth talents. Simultaneously, they provided the perfect canvas for Mahmoud El Gohary to wield his expertise in cultivating young generations. The launch of the Prince Ali Youth Centers Project in 2003, slightly predating Aspire, underscored the FA's commitment to expanding talent scouting at early stages.
With a vision to amplify Gohary's impact, the project commenced with four centers strategically placed in major governorates. These centers swiftly initiated operations by enlisting experts from diverse nationalities. Operating under the direct supervision of FA and coordination with National Teams coaches across various age groups, the initiative significantly contributed to the expansion of the talent pool. It led to the establishment of U13, U14, and U15 National Teams, with U20 National Team selection processes identifying 130 players in 2005.
The elite performance department, overseen directly by Gohary, played a pivotal role in the success of the project. Its transformative impact became evident when the U20 National Team clinched the Bronze Medal at the 2006 U20 AFC Asian Cup. The crowning achievement followed with the country's first-ever qualification for the World Cup in 2007, featuring a squad comprising eight graduates from the Prince Ali Youth Center, including Anas Bani Yassin, the current Captain of the senior National Team.
Despite its fore-sighted vision, the project quickly left an indelible mark. The success story continued with the FA's senior management recognizing the need for more investments in the national project. The participation flourished, prompting the expansion of branches to 12, with four dedicated to the elite performance department. This expansion reached every governorate in Jordan, nurturing over 20 talents. Notable figures like Hamzah Al Dardoor, the all-time top goal-scorer, and Yazan Al Neamat, the Rookie of the 2024 AFC Asian Cup, played instrumental roles in the success of the National Team, including the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and the 2024 AFC Asian Cup. The Prince Ali Youth Centers Project stands as a testament to Jordan's commitment to nurturing football excellence.
Prince Ali Youth Centers have emerged as a pivotal force in nurturing world-class talents that not only fuel professional clubs but also contribute significantly to National Teams, ensuring they compete at the highest echelons of the sport. This initiative has adopted a sustainable approach, resulting in expansive growth, encompassing 26 branches and 10 elite performance departments by 2018. This extensive network covers Jordan's entire geographical landscape, boasting a human capital exceeding 1500 players.
With an approximate annual output of 150-200 graduates, the project consistently supplies the footballing realm with skilled individuals poised for success at the professional level. Beyond its impact on men's football, the Prince Ali Youth Centers have played a pivotal role in empowering Jordan's regional leadership in women's football since its inception in 2005.
The initiative has provided a secure infrastructure that facilitates the seamless transition of girls from grassroots, futsal, and 5-a-side games to professional football. This aligns with the vision of promoting growth and expanding talent scopes in women's football. The project has been instrumental in nurturing numerous players for Jordan Women's National Teams, with notable figures such as Ayah Al Majaly, the first Jordanian participant at the UWCL.
The Prince Ali Youth Centers have solidified their position as a driving force behind the country's prestigious profile in women's football. The project's 15 Women's branches have created a player base exceeding 1000, establishing the chivalrous lands as a hub for women's football. This is evidenced by the structured league divisions, one UAFA Women's Championship, five WAFF Women's Championship titles, and the esteemed hosting of the 2016 U17 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup. The Prince Ali Youth Centers stand as a beacon for football excellence, leaving an indelible mark on Jordan's footballing landscape.
WAFF: A Pioneering Initiative in West Asian Football Development
The genesis of the West Asian Football Federation dates back to the late 90s and early 2000s, aligning with the AFC's efforts to address the vast challenges posed by geographical disparities across the continent. In this landscape, Jordan took a proactive stance, spearheading the establishment of WAFF in 2000 for the region's 12 nations, including Iran. Notably, WAFF swiftly became Asia's second-fastest regional FA in terms of activation.
In its foundational year, WAFF launched its own Nations championship, attracting the participation of six founding member associations (MAs), despite political conflicts affecting half of the countries and the commitment of the other half to their regional competition, the GCC Countries & Gulf Cup. Under Jordanian stewardship, WAFF exemplified best practices in regional football associations by disseminating key development principles to its member associations across all facets of the game.
Tangible results quickly materialised, evident in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup with three MAs qualifying for the quarterfinals. Iraq achieved a historic 4th place in the 2004 Summer Olympics, marking the beginning of substantial growth. This trajectory continued, reaching new heights by 2007 when Iraq clinched the AFC Asian Cup title. Yemen celebrated its first-ever football triumph through the U17 Championship, while Palestine secured three consecutive AFC Asian Cup qualifications from 2015 to 2024.
The recent pinnacle of WAFF's impact was showcased as eight MAs progressed to the knockout stage of the 2024 AFC Asian Cup, culminating in a pure West Asian final between Qatar and Jordan. WAFF stands as a testament to the transformative power of regional football federations in fostering development and excellence across all levels of the game.
In tandem with its ambitious endeavors to address significant challenges, WAFF has been at the forefront of developing women's football from the ground up. The federation has played an extraordinary role in reshaping the cultural landscape of the region by establishing the Women's Championship in 2005. This pioneering competition stands as a sustainable safe-hub for girls, representing the only consistent international women's tournament in the MENA region.
WAFF's commitment to fostering women's football is further exemplified by its expansions to include three different age groups, fostering a robust aspiration to grow the participation base across member associations such as Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, and most recently, Saudi Arabia. The efforts have borne fruit with the emergence of women's football heroes like Stephanie Al Naber , Hessa Al Eissa, and Hooreya Al Taheri.
In a landmark move, WAFF extended its influence by launching the inaugural Women's Club Championship in 2019, predating both the CAF and AFC Club Championships. This strategic move showcased the region's capacity on the continental stage, culminating in Amman Women's Club securing the title in the AFC Women's Club Championship in 2021. WAFF continues to pave the way for women's football, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to its growth and success.
Beyond its impressive sporting performances, WAFF has consistently showcased its organisational prowess through the adept management of championships. This commitment has not only elevated the region's hosting capabilities but has also contributed unique professional skills to member nations. WAFF's dedication to hosting championships has become a cornerstone in completing the region's elite hosting profile on both continental and global scales.
These championships have not only been platforms for sporting excellence but have also provided opportunities for many disadvantaged countries to practice and enhance their hosting experiences. This strategic approach has played a pivotal role in shaping Jordan's current profile as a hub for Women's mega events, highlighted by its iconic hosting of major FIFA and AFC women's tournaments. Additionally, countries like Palestine and Lebanon have benefited from these hosting opportunities, contributing to the overall development of football infrastructure in the region.
It's worth noting that WAFF's commitment extends beyond women's championships to include continuous practices in Men's Championships, as witnessed in 2019 and 2020. These initiatives have proven instrumental in Iraq's ability to retain its capacity for staging outstanding events, as demonstrated in the successful organization of the 2023 GCC Gulf Cup. WAFF's proficiency extends far beyond the playing field, making it a key player in the holistic development of football across West Asia.
In this edition's "Football Talks" segment, LTT Sports engaged in a conversation with Wael Al-Qadi , President of Bristol Rovers Football Club (Official) .
In 2011, Al-Qadi assumed the position of vice-chairman of the Asian Football Development Project, showcasing his commitment to advancing football development on the continental level. His dedication to the sport further manifested in 2014 when he became an executive board member of the Jordan Football Association, contributing to the strategic governance of football in the region. Adding to his portfolio of influential roles, Al-Qadi served as an executive board member for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup hosted in Jordan in 2016. Al-Qadi, alongside his family, made a significant investment in the football landscape by acquiring Bristol Rovers in February 2016. Al-Qadi's multifaceted engagement in football governance and club ownership positions him as a key figure shaping the trajectory of the sport at both regional and international levels.
We asked him a few questions, and here is what he had to say.
1) Mr. Wael, considering Jordan's success in international football competitions during late 90’s – beginnings of 2000’s and its tangible effects on overall internal football structure, leaving behind development of football infrastructure like the Prince Ali Youth Development Centres and the leadership in the West Asia Football Federation, do you believe that the recent success in the Asian Cup could unlock new opportunities for Jordanian football as it has in the past?
Absolutely! The national team's historic journey to the AFC final was a defining moment for Jordanian football. It wasn't just a victory on the field; it represented a triumph that resonated throughout the entire nation, igniting a wave of support from crucial sectors including the government, the private sector, and the Olympic Committee. This collective backing is set to elevate the game in Jordan to new heights, fostering investments that will not only popularize the sport further but will also significantly enhance our financial backing, performance standards, and overall professionalism in the sport. The impact of this success is far-reaching, promising to invigorate every aspect of Jordanian football. It’s been incredible!
2) Given the challenges faced by the Prince Ali Youth Development Centres, do you think their success, highlighted by graduates like Yazan Al Neamat, the Rookie of the AFC Asian Cup, could reinvigorate interest in youth development projects in Jordan?
The transition from centralised youth development centers to multiple academies across Amman shows a shift towards privatisation and professionalism in football clubs and their academies. This evolution suggests a broader and more sustainable approach to talent development, feeding directly into the national teams.
3) With Jordan's football history, including consistent performance and qualification in the AFC Asian Cup, what do you identify as the key principles to sustain and enhance Jordan's competitiveness on both the national and club levels?
Success in football, particularly for a country like Jordan, is deeply rooted in the strength of our domestic league and the robustness of our federation. We've faced our share of challenges, notably the reorganisation of our football calendar, which, alongside the impact of COVID-19, significantly set back our progress. Overcoming these obstacles is not just about bouncing back; it's about strategic recovery. This involves meticulous planning, bringing onboard competent technical staff who can bring out the best in our players, and creating opportunities for our athletes to gain experience in more competitive leagues abroad. It's a multifaceted approach aimed at enhancing the overall structure and performance of Jordanian football, both at the club and national team levels.
4) Except Montpellier’s Musa Al Taamari, all recent achievements of Jordanian football has come throughout homegrown players in local clubs or neighboring countries leagues, do you see a pathway for Jordanian talents to Europe after recent success, leveraging successes like those of Musa Tamari as a model?
The potential for Jordanian and Arab players in Europe is significant, but work permit rules based on FIFA rankings can be a barrier. Improvement in Jordan's FIFA ranking could facilitate more opportunities for players abroad. Musa Tamari's success demonstrates a viable pathway through development in progressively competitive leagues.
5) Considering your experience with Bristol Rovers and the broader European football scene How can Jordanian football benefit from adopting professional structures similar to those in the UK, and what role do agents play in advancing players' careers internationally?
Well, the path to elevating Jordanian football lies in embracing a professional structure where club football is managed independently, much like the Premier League model in the UK. This shift is essential for cultivating a league that is not only competitive but also marketable on a global stage. Equally important is the role of agents in this ecosystem. They are the bridge that connects Jordanian talents to opportunities in European clubs. A good agent doesn't just negotiate contracts; they ensure that a player's career trajectory aligns with their potential and the needs of clubs looking for such talents. This necessitates building strong, productive relationships with reputable agencies that understand the intricacies of the international football landscape. It's about more than just moving players; it's about strategic career development and ensuring that Jordanian footballers are placed where they can grow, perform, and ultimately succeed.
In our Bottom-49 segment this week, dedicated to regional football insights, we bring your attention to a comprehensive research compilation focused on the instrumental role played by WAFF in fostering football excellence within the region. Our analysis delves into the formation and leadership of WAFF, shedding light on the key factors that have contributed to the development and success of football across West Asia. The infographic sums up the strategic initiatives, impactful decisions, and visionary leadership of WAFF, that has shaped the football landscape in this dynamic part of the world.
In our Football Insights section this week, we present the Arabic translation of the #12QualityAreas framework that we have meticulously developed. This #12QualityAreas framework provides a structured approach to identifying patterns within professional Youth Academies, offering a simplified method for monitoring their operations. By gaining insights into the working processes encountered by academy leaders and understanding how to optimise them, academies can then enhance their efficiency and productivity, with the help of this framework.
Reviewing Youth Academy functions
We present an initiative to clubs—a comprehensive football academy adaptation and transformation designed to enhance all positive aspects of its structure and operations, aligning it with world-class practices across the board. The youth academy typically stands as the largest department within a football club, necessitating a well-defined strategy, robust executive support, and essential technical expertise for a meticulously planned and executed approach.
The Impact we can Deliver
Our proposition aims to offer football clubs an unparalleled and distinctive methodology, poised to elevate the club's performance holistically, encompassing both on-field and off-field aspects, commencing from the core of the club. Through a think-tank led approach, we bring together subject matter experts, drawing upon the extensive experience of our specialists and insights from our project partners. Our objective is to facilitate a positive transformation and adaptive force that encourages and nurtures change. This involves a seamless transition of operational processes, personnel, approaches, and objectives.
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Our Strategy Council Member, Konstantin Kornakov , was recently interviewed by Off The Pitch , for a special report on 'Two years on: The resilience of Ukrainian football amid conflict'.
The report is available to read, here.
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LTT Sports is an advisory firm focused on connecting football strategy and operations based on experience, analysis and a strong network. At LTT Sports, we have created a set of services for football organisations, providing transversal solutions at any level of the professional football pyramid – to boost performance off the pitch, directly impacting on-pitch results.
*** Disclaimer: LTT Sports is an independent think tank aimed to be a platform of discussion amongst football stakeholders. The answers received for our interviews are personal views of the interviewee and/ or the organisation he or she may represent and strictly do not represent our views on the subject matter.
Contributors to this week's newsletter: Olivier Jarosz, Fathi Abou El Gadaiel , Yannick Avognon