Ethiopia: Saint George calls elective General Assembly amid crisis

Saint George, record champions of Ethiopia, have officially convened an elective General Assembly for October 19 in Addis Ababa. The General Assembly is expected to address the leadership crisis that has caused financial struggles for the club.

The club has officially called on its members to attend the General Assembly, which will be held at the Ethiopia Hotel, Branch Two. It is not yet known if club chairman Abenet Gebremeskel will attend the assembly, as he is still in the United States. The assembly is expected to address the club’s most pertinent issues.

Pan-Africa Football understands that it is unclear whether a new board will be appointed or if a Gebremeskel-led board will continue to run the club for another term. Close sources, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that any attempt by Gebremeskel to continue as chairman could create havoc.

As it stands, MIDROC CEO Jemal Ahmed, a diehard supporter of the club, has previously distanced himself from any leadership position. A feud between Ethiopian-born Saudi business tycoon and club patron Mohammed Hussein Ali Al-Amoudi and Gebremeskel has heavily impacted the club over the past four seasons.

The historic club now stands at a crossroads regarding its future sustainability. A decade ago, a group of fans led by former player Anteneh Feleke raised concerns over the handling of the club, but they were reportedly banished by the Gebremeskel-led board.