Austin FC has announced the appointment of Khaled El-Ahmad as its new Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director, entrusting him with the leadership of the club's comprehensive soccer operations. This strategic move aims to fortify the team's structure and competitive edge, leveraging El-Ahmad's rich background in both domestic and international football management. His mandate includes overseeing roster construction, scouting, player development pathways, and fostering a culture of sustained success.
On Tuesday, Austin FC officially revealed its decision to place seasoned executive Khaled El-Ahmad at the helm of its soccer operations. As Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director, El-Ahmad's responsibilities are expansive, covering critical areas such as player recruitment and management, talent identification, and the nurturing of players from the Academy level through Austin FC II, ultimately to the Major League Soccer (MLS) squad. This comprehensive oversight reflects the club's commitment to a holistic approach to player development and team building.
El-Ahmad's reporting structure will place him directly under Austin FC CEO Andy Loughnane, highlighting the significance of his role within the organization. Prior to joining Austin FC, El-Ahmad contributed his expertise to the Minnesota United FC front office. His career trajectory also includes a stint with the parent company of New York City FC within MLS, and a leadership role as CEO and Sporting Director for the English club Barnsley FC, demonstrating a diverse and extensive professional journey in the sport.
Anthony Precourt, Austin FC's chairman, majority owner, and founder, expressed immense enthusiasm for El-Ahmad's arrival. Precourt emphasized that El-Ahmad distinguished himself through his broad global experience, profound understanding of Major League Soccer, and a clear strategic vision for modern sporting organizations. The club's leadership believes El-Ahmad's proven ability to identify and cultivate talent, assemble competitive rosters, and unite teams towards a common objective makes him the ideal leader for Austin FC's future. His collaborative leadership, data-driven decision-making, and dedication to achieving enduring success are seen as perfectly aligned with the club's aspirations.
El-Ahmad conveyed his excitement about the new challenge, thanking Anthony Precourt, Andy Loughnane, and the ownership group for their trust. He praised Austin as a vibrant city with passionate supporters and highlighted the club's significant ambition and potential for sustained triumph. El-Ahmad articulated that his role extends beyond mere roster construction; it involves cultivating a sporting organization with a distinct identity, strong personnel, streamlined processes, and an unwavering commitment to daily improvement. He firmly believes that lasting success stems from talented individuals collaborating, consistently making sound decisions, and fostering an environment where both players and staff can excel and continuously develop.
Furthermore, Jim Curtin, who has been announced as Austin's forthcoming head coach, will report directly to El-Ahmad once he officially joins the club at the conclusion of the 2026 season. El-Ahmad looks forward to engaging with Curtin, the sporting staff, and the entire club to chart a clear path forward. He stressed the importance of being ambitious and courageous, with the ultimate goal of building an Austin FC that instills pride in the city and its supporters, and consistently contends for championships.
In essence, El-Ahmad's appointment signals a new chapter for Austin FC, one focused on leveraging extensive experience and a clear vision to build a robust and successful footballing identity. His leadership is poised to impact every layer of the club, from grassroots development to first-team performance, aiming for sustained excellence and a deeper connection with the community.
