Financial scandal hits Saint George as Jemal Ahmed speaks out

Saint George SA die-hard supporter Jemal Ahmed has claimed that the Ethiopian club’s chairman, Abenet Gebremeskel, and board member, Dawit Wubeshet, have allegedly embezzled millions of birr.

The record Ethiopian champions are struggling financially as they prepare to convene an elective general assembly next month. The allegation made by the MIDROC Group CEO highlights the growing rift between Gebremeskel and club patron Mohammed Hussien Ali Al-Amoudi.

Ahmed heads one of the largest investments of the Ethiopian-born Saudi billionaire and has been supporting Saint George. He told the American-based Ethiopian news outlet Zehabesha that he ceased any support to the Addis Ababa giants two seasons ago. “I stopped any support to the club two years ago. This happened long before I became CEO of MIDROC and before the court battle between me and Abenet started.”

Ahmed alleged that Gebremeskel and Wubeshet embezzled funds from the club, which he cited as the main reason behind his departure. “The money that I collected for the club since 2018 has all been taken by Abenet and Dawit. The revenues collected at some events by the club were also stolen.”

Ahmed also stated that the Yidnekatchew Tessema Youth Academy has been used to house the first team instead of serving as a center of excellence for youth players. The key ally of Al-Amoudi ruled out a possible return to the club’s administration.

This is the first time that Ahmed has spoken about the current situation of the club. The elective general assembly, called by the Gebremeskel-backed board, is slated for October. Last week, the chairman stated that there is ongoing work from outside to destabilize the club.