The situation within the Somali Football Federation (SFF) has reached a critical level.
The federation is facing serious allegations of financial mismanagement, governance failures, internal conflict and administrative instability.
Employees have reportedly gone months without regular salaries, while there are also serious concerns regarding FIFA audits over the past three years.
The national league, which should be the foundation of Somali football development, has also lost much of its value and credibility.
Clubs, players, coaches and supporters deserve a professional and competitive league—not a system weakened by poor governance and continuous internal disputes.
The Unresolved leadership crisis
The legitimacy of the current SFF leadership has been questioned since its election, which was challenged before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In June 2025, the SFF Congress voted to remove the president. FIFA and CAF refused to recognise the removal and announced an investigation.
More than a year later, where is that investigation?
What were the findings? Why has FIFA and CAF failed to provide a clear outcome?
There are also allegations that Congress members and football stakeholders who supported the removal have subsequently faced suspension, removal or other forms of pressure.
These allegations require an independent and transparent investigation—not silence.
Long-awaited February 2027 Election: Who Will Guarantee Its Integrity?
The next SFF election is expected in February 2027. Yet serious questions remain about the independence of the electoral process, including the appointment of the electoral committee and changes involving stakeholder representatives.
An election is not democratic simply because people cast votes.
It must have an independent electoral committee, legitimate stakeholders, equal treatment of candidates, protection from retaliation, transparent rules and credible oversight.
Without clear guidance and effective oversight from FIFA and CAF, there is a legitimate concern that the February 2027 election may not provide a genuinely free, fair and credible outcome.
FIFA Must Answer
The Somali football community deserves clear answers:
- What happened to the FIFA/CAF investigation announced in 2025?
- Has it been completed, and what were the findings?
- What action has been taken regarding the financial and governance allegations?
- What protection is being provided to stakeholders who allegedly face retaliation?
- What guarantees will FIFA and CAF provide for a free and fair February 2027 election?
- Why does FIFA continue to recognise the current leadership while these fundamental questions remain unresolved?
FIFA’s responsibility is not to protect individuals or factions. Its responsibility is to protect the integrity of football.
If the current leadership has complied with FIFA regulations, FIFA should explain its position transparently. If violations have occurred, appropriate action should follow.
Somali football cannot continue to operate under silence, uncertainty and unresolved governance disputes.
The message to FIFA and CAF is simple: Protect Somali football—not individuals; investigate, explain and act swiftly.
The future of Somali football depends on transparency, accountability, democratic governance and a credible election.
