Tuesday March 7, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the governing body of association football, has recognized Ali Abdi Mohamed, also known as Ali Shiino, as the new head of Somalia's Football Federation, ending a leadership dispute that has divided the country's football community.
In a letter dated March 3, FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ali Shiino on his electoral victory and expressed confidence in his leadership, knowledge, and experience. He also pledged FIFA's support to help develop football in Somalia.
Ali Shiino had previously served as the interim president of the SFF before being elected as its permanent head on February 22. The election took place at the Elite Hotel in Mogadishu. At the same time, a separate group of SFF delegates held a
parallel vote across town at the Jazeera Hotel, electing Hassan Yabarow Wiish as president.
The factional infighting led Somalia's Ministry of Internal Security to intervene following concerns raised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and SFF delegates that the election was being rigged, causing the
postponement of scheduled SFF leadership elections in February. Both groups claimed the legitimacy of the football association.
The
impasse also raised the prospect of FIFA suspending Somalia's membership, with the international governing body
warning against government interference in the country's football affairs.
The SFF is responsible for organizing various leagues, tournaments, and national teams, including the Somali Premier League, the Somalia Cup, and the Somalia national football team. The organization is currently preparing for the upcoming
African Cup of Nations in Algeria from April 29 to May 19, where it will
field its U-17 football squad.
Somalia's Football Federation has been plagued by allegations of corruption and poor governance. Ali Shiino's predecessor, Abdiqani Said Arab, was dismissed for abuse of power in December 2021 after being accused of misappropriating funds meant for two FIFA projects in Kismayu and Mogadishu.
According to the FIFA Rankings, Somalia's senior national football team is currently ranked 204th globally.