No investigation opened into Somalia Football Federation – FIFA

FIFA has confirmed that it did not open an investigation into the situation within the Somali Football Federation (SFF), while reaffirming its recognition of the federation’s current Executive Committee led by President Ali Abdi Mohamed.

In a letter dated 18 September 2026, FIFA said the issues raised by individuals claiming to have convened a congress on 21 June 2025 constituted an internal matter for the SFF and fell outside the remit of world football’s governing body.

The letter, signed by FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov, said the concerns should be addressed in accordance with the SFF statutes, applicable regulations and relevant national law.

“ For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to clarify that no investigation was opened in relation to this matter,” FIFA stated.

It explained that its request for information and documentation from relevant stakeholders was intended solely to gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding the dispute.

FIFA also confirmed that it and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) continue to recognise the current SFF Executive Committee as the legitimate governing body of Somali football.

“Consequently, FIFA is not in a position to provide any further comments in this matter,” the letter added.

Somalia football leadership dispute

The correspondence follows exchanges between FIFA and individuals contesting aspects of the situation within the SFF, including claims relating to a congress purportedly convened in June 2025.

FIFA’s response indicates that it considers the matter an internal governance issue to be handled under the federation’s own statutes and the relevant legal framework, rather than through a formal FIFA investigation.

The letter does not provide further details about the competing claims or the circumstances surrounding the alleged congress.

However, FIFA’s position on recognition is clear: the international governing body and CAF continue to regard the existing Executive Committee under President Ali Abdi Mohamed as the legitimate leadership of the federation.

Somalia’s football development

The clarification comes as Somali football continues efforts to expand participation and strengthen its development structures, particularly at youth level.

Somalia won the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Under-17 Championship in 2022, marking a significant achievement for the country’s youth football programme.

The country has also been working to increase its presence in international competitions across different age groups, providing emerging players with opportunities to gain experience and represent their nation.

Somalia’s participation in international football reflects broader efforts to build a stronger foundation for the game, develop young talent and improve the country’s competitiveness.

With FIFA and CAF maintaining their recognition of the current SFF leadership, the federation remains the recognised body responsible for overseeing Somali football within the international game.

The latest correspondence, however, addresses the governance dispute rather than offering an assessment of the federation’s development programmes or their progress.