Performing president Ali abdi Mohamed (Photograph/Courtesy)

David GOMBE

Somali soccer seems to be approaching an vital juncture, with the following electoral course of drawing nearer whereas a number of longstanding governance points stay unresolved.

Because the resignation of former Somali Soccer Federation (SFF) President Abdiqadir Mentioned Arab, the soccer neighborhood has skilled a chronic interval of inside disagreement over management, the standing of member associations, modifications involving affiliation chairpersons, and the composition and appointment of electoral our bodies.

These developments have created uncertainty amongst stakeholders concerning the independence, inclusiveness, and credibility of the electoral course of. Particularly, questions have been raised about modifications to the Electoral Committee and the procedures used to ascertain its successor.

Broader issues additionally encompass the event and efficiency of Somali soccer. In recent times, Somalia’s place within the FIFA World Rating has declined considerably, whereas the home soccer construction has confronted challenges affecting the competitiveness and sustainability of nationwide competitions, together with issues in regards to the continuation of lower-division soccer.

On 22 June 2025, the SFF Congress voted for Omar Mohamoud Nor (Mugambe) to function Performing President, in keeping with stakeholders involved. FIFA and CAF didn’t recognise that call and indicated that the circumstances could be topic to additional examination. The absence of a broadly understood decision has contributed to continued uncertainty amongst stakeholders.

In the meantime, the present management is known to be contemplating one other electoral mandate, whereas some stakeholders have expressed reservations about taking part in an electoral course of below the present circumstances.

Because the election approaches, it will be significant that each one events together with the SFF management, member associations, candidates, stakeholders, FIFA, and CAF  stay dedicated to dialogue, transparency, inclusiveness, and respect for the relevant statutes and laws.

The target shouldn’t be to find out the end result in favour of any specific particular person or group. Quite, the precedence ought to be to ascertain the circumstances for a reputable, clear, and constitutionally compliant election whose final result can command broad confidence throughout the Somali soccer neighborhood.

There’s nonetheless a possibility for constructive engagement earlier than current variations develop into additional institutionalised. A transparent and inclusive course of, supported by acceptable session among the many related stakeholders, might assist forestall competing electoral processes and supply Somali soccer with the steadiness wanted to concentrate on improvement, competitions, and the nationwide groups.

The way forward for Somali soccer ought to be decided by a reputable course of, respect for the foundations, and the collective pursuits of the soccer neighborhood.