The Somali Football Federation (SFF) finds itself in simmering hot water with a string of notable resignations from its cadre of international referees. This uproar is fueled by whispers of meddling, regional favoritism, corruption, and shortcomings in management, painting a turbulent picture.
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Leading the departures is the well-known referee, Mohamed Nur Muhudin. After many years of service, he handed in his resignation, slamming the SFF for its interference in referee autonomy, especially during big-time regional matches.
Joining him in stepping down is Hassan Hagi, who goes by the moniker Hassan Baarri. Both have elected to walk away from their duties.
The departing referees have accused Ali Shiine, the head honcho of the SFF, along with the Secretary, Yusuf Muhudin Ahmed, of sketchy conduct unworthy of the beautiful game. They claim these officials are dabbling in nepotism, favoritism, and twisting the democratic pulse of football club votes.
The wider Somali football scene is reeling, its integrity battered amid rampant corruption charges largely leveled against Shiine. Allegations suggest he’s been twisting the thumbscrews on referees to tilt scales towards particular leagues and regional teams, with threats to yank their sporting privileges acting as a club.
The sport in Somalia is marred by bribery, clan-based favoritism, and an egregious failure to funnel FIFA bonuses to players and referees. Word is, these funds are being funneled into personal pockets.
Resignations Ignite Scandal
Muhudin, after a dozen years on the international stage, pulled no punches in a letter dated October 15, 2024, addressing shady goings-on within the SFF’s Referees Committee. He called out “unfair practices and bias,” accusing the federation of exploiting ref decisions through self-serving moves.
One particularly stinging account emerged from the 2024 face-off between Hirshabelle and Banadir squads. Muhudin recounts leaning on SFF President Ali Shiine favoring the Hirshabelle players, a nod to his roots.
“We are Hirshabelle,” Muhudin quoted, noting how a joke carried weight, most dictating the play.
SFF Stands Its Ground: ‘Meet the Standards’
The SFF defends its turf, contending the resignations weren’t about mistreatment but rather referees not hitting international marks. Positions, the federation emphasizes, require annual competition and steady excellence.
A voice from the SFF’s Referee Committee chimed in, saying, “It’s a fierce contest. If you don’t make the cut, you don’t make it. That’s the game across the globe, and we are no different.”
Yet, the SFF’s rebuttal has done little to soothe the frustrated ex-referees. Muhudin and Co. hold that bias and corruption, not their fieldcraft, drove their resignations.
Regional Sway and Headship Scrutiny
Charges of regional partiality are shaking faith in Somali football matches, with refs like Muhudin wary that the push to prefer certain regions risks tilting the craft’s scales. A particular tête-à-tête between Ali Shiine and Muhudin is causing a stir among the sport’s stakeholders.
“It’s beyond the pale for a federation head to utter such things, even in jest,” said a football aficionado. “If referees feel steered, it puts the whole system at risk.”
The furor goes beyond referee issues. In a TV sit-down, Muhudin lamented the void between the SFF and Somalia’s Ministry of Sports and Youth, spotlighting a leadership void where key players operate in silos, derailing the sport’s growth.
Impacts on Somali Football
These resignations and accusations could echo far beyond the field. Regional bouts, crucial for talent honing and unity, now clouded by whiffs of corruption and mismanagement.
“If referees follow local lines, what does that spell for competition fairness?” pondered one analyst. “This isn’t just inner discord—it could erode the sport’s integrity.”
For players and enthusiasts alike, the notion that ref decisions might be swayed by personal or local allegiances is deeply unsettling. It risks alienation and deters budding talent from engaging in what should be equitable contests.
Calls for Change Amplify
As the scandal festers, calls for reform within the SFF are growing louder. Many press for an independent review of refereeing, alongside heightened transparency in federational workings. Refs and players are clamoring for decisions rooted in merit, not regional ties.
“The SFF must clean house,” declared a former ref. “Without reform, they’ll lose the faith of anyone who cares about Somali football.”
Besides refereeing shake-ups, the SFF faces mounting pressure to mend fences with the Ministry of Sports and Youth. This disjointed relationship is seen as a major impediment to Somali football’s forward journey.
“If the Federation and the Ministry can’t sync up, how do we expect the sport to flourish?” questioned Muhudin. “We need solid oversight, real accountability, and fairness.”
A Critical Juncture for the SFF
The exits of Muhudin and fellow referees signal a pivotal juncture for the SFF. Charges of bias, personal meddling, and shadows on transparency are clouding the sport’s local and global standing.
For the SFF, this is a turning point. The choices made now—whether to embrace change or stick to the path—will chart the future course of Somali football. Rise to the challenge, rectify governance woes, and rebuild trust, and Somali football might reemerge stronger. If not, it risks deeper disconnect and leadership crisis.
Source: Dalsan Radio
