FIFA confirmed a week ago that it was investigating the Somalia Football Federation (SFF) for allegedly mismanaging of thousands of dollars meant to pay staff salaries and telephone bills. This has been confirmed by a Somalian official.
Secretary-General of the SFF Abdiqani SAÏD informed Reuters that President Muhyidin Hassan ALI illegally withdrew over US$ 100,000, and FIFA addressed him a letter demanding to know the reason for the said withdrawal. SAID also claimed ALI was suspended by the executive committee of the SFFon February because "he mismanaged money meant to pay-off three years of wage arrears and telephone bills."
It is rather chocking to know that the Somali football team assembles only a few days before tournaments and can train only in the dilapidated Mogadishu stadium. "The team often practises under a lot of hardship," a former Somalia coach, declining to be named, told Reuters. "The main problem is the insecurity. The players are paid 20,000 Somali shillings (less than US$ 2)wages after practices."
SAID said recent violence in Mogadishu has forced the SFF to cancel football matches, which are well attended by Somali football fans. "Mortars are hitting everywher. We cannot guarantee the safety of the spectators," he told Reuters.
Samuel MBAJUM
(Source: BBC Sport)
07/03/2007 |
