On July 6, 2025, the Comoros marked 50 years of independence, and amid the commemorations, football has emerged as one of the nation’s most visible success stories.
From international representation to grassroots development, the Comorian Football Federation (FFC) has led an ambitious transformation that positions the archipelago as a rising force in African football.
Under the leadership of President Saïd Ali Saïd Athouman, the FFC has actively dismantled the barriers of insularity that once limited the nation’s footballing reach.
His tenure has been defined by strategic expansion beyond local boundaries—culminating in his appointments as President of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) and member of the CAF Executive Committee.
These roles have helped end the federation’s diplomatic isolation and integrate Comorian football into the broader international scene.
A pivotal outcome of this new trajectory was the successful support for Kanizat Ibrahim’s election to the FIFA Council—an unprecedented move that placed Comoros in global football’s inner circle.
Regionally, the FFC also initiated a new U15 tournament—the Youth Festival—under FIFA’s guidance, fostering cooperation among Indian Ocean nations and soon to include Sri Lanka and the Maldives in future editions.
“We’ve long transcended the limitations of our geographical isolation,” said FFC President Athouman. “Our focus has been on meritocracy—whether in national team selection or technical staff development. That mindset has redefined what Comorian football stands for.”
Nowhere is this transformation more evident than in the performances of the national team. After missing out on qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Coelacanths began a new chapter under Italian-Canadian coach Stefano Cusin.
With a young and inexperienced squad, Cusin instilled belief and discipline, resulting in performances that have exceeded expectations.
The Comoros currently top Group A in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, ahead of Tunisia, Gambia, and Madagascar. In the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, they trail Ghana by just three points—an unthinkable feat given their initial placement in Pot 5 of the draw.
At the domestic level, the FFC has ramped up its investment in technical development. As recently as May 2025, only two Comorian coaches held CAF B Licenses.
That number has now increased to eleven, while over 90 local technicians have obtained their CAF C Licenses through sessions organised by the Directorate of Technical Development. The progress has been bolstered by the FFC’s inclusion in CAF’s coaching program.
FIFA has also contributed through a pilot programme aimed at strengthening elite clubs. From 2025 to 2027, 30 clubs across the country will receive an annual grant of $5,000 to enhance management capacity and improve footballing structures.
However, infrastructure remains a critical obstacle. The Maluzini Stadium, once the primary venue for national matches, was decommissioned in 2023 following the expiration of CAF’s tolerance period.
The facility failed to meet international standards—built without input from FFC’s technical experts, it lacked compliance with FIFA and CAF regulations. The FFC has clarified that responsibility for stadium construction and maintenance rests with clubs, local authorities, and the state—not the federation.
Financial constraints further compound the federation’s challenges. With annual funding capped at $250,000 from FIFA, the FFC is required to meet strict accountability measures.
High travel costs, especially for the national team, stretch limited resources. A FIFA audit mission in December 2024 urged the FFC to formalise administrative procedures to improve transparency.
Despite these hurdles, the Executive Committee has functioned as a unified and hands-on management body. Their collective efforts have driven coaching initiatives, integrated FIFA-CAF programmes, and sustained national competitions, laying the foundation for lasting progress.
Recent success at the COSAFA Cup, where the national A team secured a bronze medal, further validates the federation’s long-term planning. It reflects the deepening talent pool and growing effectiveness of scouting, training, and technical support at all levels.
At the milestone of 50 years of independence, Comorian football stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, ambition, and transformation. While infrastructure and finances remain pressing concerns, the nation’s steady ascent on the footballing ladder is undeniable. The Comoros has made it clear—it is no longer content with simply participating. It is here to compete.
