Somali Football Federation Discontinues Inter-State Tourney After Government Politicizes the Sport

Somali Football Federation on Monday announced that it discontinued the Inter-State football tournament due the minister for youth and sport who has several times intervened in the sport and politicized the competition.

The decision was announced at the end of a lengthy meeting at the Somali Football Federation headquarters by the SFF executive committee and presidents of regional football associations. The SFF said in a statement that it can continue the annual tournament only if the ministry stops politicizing the sport and leaves the responsible body [the SFF] do its business freely and in accordance with FIFA, CAF and SFF statutes and regulations which all clearly indicate that sport has nothing to do with politics.

Somali Football Federation Responsibility

“Somali Football Federation is the sole national body that is responsible for all football-related matters across the country. Football is all about peace, integration, friendship, development and love. The SFF cannot accept the sport to be politicized,” Somali Football Federation said in a statement.

Somali Football Federation executive committee meeting 15 Jan 2024. Photo by Abdul Malik Muhudin
SFF executive committee meeting 15 Jan 2024. Photo by Abdul Malik Muhudin

Safety of Fans and Match Officials

The statement continued “Somali Football Federation is responsible for the safety of football players, match officials, fans and team officials. We are very sorry for the brutality and unjustifiable actions against our players and football fans who suffered from a number of violent attacks since the competition began and that is due to the event which has been politicized.”

Football Deaths

Several shooting incidents took place at stadium Mogadishu for the past two weeks in which at least two fans were killed and several were wounded. Armed men traveling with the minister for youth and sport and some government MPs have been involved in the fatal shooting incidents which left innocent football fans dead and wounded others.

The minister was several times requested by the SFF to take his armed men out of the stadium, so the fans can enjoy the games without fear, but that didn’t happen until the soldiers finally caused deaths after firing at the cheering chanting fans which led to the discontinuation of the tournament.

It is now up to the Somali government to either respect the rules and regulations of the sport. If they do not, the Inter-State football tournament, a competition that attracts the attention of tens of thousands of fans will never return.

Stadium Mogadishu full to capacity during this year's Inter State football tournament. photo by Abdul Malik Muhudin
Stadium Mogadishu full to capacity during this year’s Inter State football tournament. Photo by Abdul Malik Muhudin

Hot this week

Did David Wineland and Serge Haroche Steal Idea For The Nobel Physics Prize?

Dr. Omerbashich says the Royal Swedish Academy is a Crime Scene and he has the proof that Nobel laureates stole his discovery.

New Approaches to Disaster Relief Challenges

Disaster relief has always been a challenge. NASA, Google,...

3 Legitimate Money Making Methods to Supplement Your Income

In a perfect world, when your landlord raises your...

2016 Predictions by World Renowned Medium and Psychic Lindy Baker

World renowned medium and psychic Lindy Baker is interviewed by The Hollywood Sentinel, discussing psychic power, the spirit world, life after death, areas of concern in 2016, and much more.

Digital Coupon Customers Spending More Than Double At Stores

A new study shows that customers who use digital coupons go shopping more for groceries and other household goods more often and spend more on their shopping trips.

Covert Censorship Exposed: US Funneled $472.6M to Media Control NGO, Says Wikileaks

Wikileaks exposed that the United States allegedly funneled $472.6 million through Internews Network, a global media non-governmental organization (NGO) suspected of advancing covert censorship and media control.

Proper Lawyer Tips and Legalities to Know About Within the Tobacco Industry

The tobacco industry is one of the most highly...

The 2-State-Solution: Dead and Cannot Be Revived

Danny Burmawi (@dannyburmawi) is a Jordanian; CEO of Project...

Glazed Skylight: A Stylish and Functional Roofing Solution

Today, glazed skylights are a common feature in residences across Australia, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.

How to Keep Cockroaches Out of Homes This Summer

As summer temperatures rise, household pests become a growing concern. Warmer weather and humidity create ideal breeding conditions for cockroaches, making them one of the most common infestations in homes and offices.

Delta Airlines Miles: Unlocking SkyMiles Rewards Potential

Uncover the secrets of maximizing Delta Airlines miles as you explore a free program full of endless possibilities—but what happens when miles meet dynamic pricing?

DIY Home Decor Ideas: Creative Projects to Try

Unleash your creativity with DIY home decor as we explore how egg carton flowers and colorful glassware transform your space—what will surprise us next?

Franna Cranes: The Best Option for Crane Hire in Melbourne

Many construction owners and project managers turn to Franna crane hire in Melbourne. The Australian-made pick-and-carry cranes are popular.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img