Saudi Football Association Targets England FA’s Head of Legal and Governance Polly Handford

In a bid to raise the competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League, the league has continued to recruit on and off-pitch talent. The latest target in that recruitment drive is the English Football Association’s legal and governance director, Polly Handford. She will join the Saudi Football Association as the head of legal affairs should she accept the offer.

With over 20 years of practicing law, Ms. Handford has served in various legal and leadership capacities. She has been with the FA for over nine years, initially serving as the head of legal and then promoted to the legal and governance director. During her time, she led a division of over 60 people, focusing on regulatory, disputes, and commercial matters.

Considered a force in British sports legal circles. Handford will not be dealing with the Saudi government for the first time. In 2022 she was headhunted for a position with LIV Golf, but she rejected the offer. It remains to be seen whether she will be open to the role this time.