Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef greets Al-Jazeera players.

KUWAIT CITY, April 3: Kuwait Football Association (KFA) President Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef revealed that Argentine coach Juan Pizzi sought permission from the national team manager before leaving the country but did not follow the official procedure for obtaining special leave.

Pizzi departed last week following the Blues' match against Oman on March 25 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Al-Yousef confirmed that the coach is expected to return next week.

Previously, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef had assured that the current technical staff would remain in charge until the end of Kuwait’s qualifying campaign in June. Pizzi and his assistants' contracts are set to expire in July.

In his efforts to advance Kuwaiti football, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef has enlisted Spanish legend Carles Puyol as an advisor. Speculation suggests that Puyol may collaborate with his football company to implement a long-term strategy for the sport's development in Kuwait.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef expressed his ambition to expand the Federation's competitions by adding six to eight new clubs next season.

Speaking after the match between Al-Jahra and Al-Jazeera—a newcomer to the Federation's competitions— Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef emphasized his commitment to integrating Al-Jazeera into the league as a model for private sector involvement. He also noted that the Federation has received numerous applications from new clubs, with financial stability being a key selection criterion.