Acting president Ali abdi Mohamed (Photo/Courtesy)
David GOMBE
Somali football appears to be approaching an important juncture, with the next electoral process drawing closer while several longstanding governance issues remain unresolved.
Since the resignation of former Somali Football Federation (SFF) President Abdiqadir Said Arab, the football community has experienced a prolonged period of internal disagreement over leadership, the status of member associations, changes involving association chairpersons, and the composition and appointment of electoral bodies.
These developments have created uncertainty among stakeholders regarding the independence, inclusiveness, and credibility of the electoral process. In particular, questions have been raised about changes to the Electoral Committee and the procedures used to establish its successor.
Broader concerns also surround the development and performance of Somali football. In recent years, Somalia’s position in the FIFA World Ranking has declined significantly, while the domestic football structure has faced challenges affecting the competitiveness and sustainability of national competitions, including concerns about the continuation of lower-division football.
On 22 June 2025, the SFF Congress voted for Omar Mohamoud Nor (Mugambe) to serve as Acting President, according to stakeholders concerned. FIFA and CAF did not recognise that decision and indicated that the circumstances would be subject to further examination. The absence of a broadly understood resolution has contributed to continued uncertainty among stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the current leadership is understood to be considering another electoral mandate, while some stakeholders have expressed reservations about participating in an electoral process under the existing circumstances.
As the election approaches, it is important that all parties including the SFF leadership, member associations, candidates, stakeholders, FIFA, and CAF remain committed to dialogue, transparency, inclusiveness, and respect for the applicable statutes and regulations.
The objective should not be to determine the outcome in favour of any particular individual or group. Rather, the priority should be to establish the conditions for a credible, transparent, and constitutionally compliant election whose outcome can command broad confidence within the Somali football community.
There is still an opportunity for constructive engagement before existing differences become further institutionalised. A clear and inclusive process, supported by appropriate consultation among the relevant stakeholders, could help prevent competing electoral processes and provide Somali football with the stability needed to focus on development, competitions, and the national teams.
The future of Somali football should be determined through a credible process, respect for the rules, and the collective interests of the football community.