President Mohamud Meets FIFA Council Member to Boost Football Growth in the Region

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met senior FIFA Council member and President of the Djibouti Football Federation, Mr. Souleiman Hassan Waberi, at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu on Tuesday, in a high-profile push to strengthen Somalia’s standing in regional and global football.

During the meeting, President Mohamud praised Djibouti’s influential role in international football through Waberi’s leadership within FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

President Mohamud underscored his government’s commitment to deepening sports diplomacy and expanding cooperation in athletic development.

The discussions, attended by Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Abdiqadir Ali, Somali Football Federation President Ali Abdi Mohamed, and other senior officials, marked a significant step towards reviving Somalia’s football sector after years of conflict and instability.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre also welcomed Waberi to his office for talks that built on the same momentum.

Their discussions, following an initial consultative meeting at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, centered on fostering stronger football ties between Somalia and Djibouti, as well as expanding FIFA and CAF’s support for youth programs and infrastructure development in the Horn of Africa.

Officials say Waberi’s visit could pave the way for increased technical assistance, training programs, and regional competitions, vital steps in Somalia’s broader efforts to rebuild its sports sector and provide new opportunities for young athletes.