Somalia Launches FIFA-Backed Referee Fitness Programme Ahead Of 2026 Competitions

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Football Federation (SFF) has launched its annual FIFA MA Elite 2026 referee fitness and assessment programme, bringing together 35 match officials for physical testing and training aimed at preparing them for regional and international competitions.

The programme was officially opened by Somali Football Federation President and CECAFA Vice President Ali Abdi Mohamed, who said developing qualified referees remains a key priority in improving the standard of football in Somalia.

The participants, comprising both centre referees and assistant referees, will undergo a series of FIFA-approved fitness assessments, including endurance, speed and running tests required for international accreditation.

The evaluations are being conducted by two FIFA-appointed instructors from Djibouti and Zimbabwe, who will assess whether the officials meet the governing body’s physical standards for elite refereeing.

Addressing the participants, Ali urged the referees to make full use of the programme, describing referees as central to ensuring fair play, integrity and the overall quality of football competitions.

The FIFA MA Elite programme forms part of the world governing body’s wider efforts to strengthen refereeing standards among its member associations through technical support, education and regular fitness evaluations.

For Somalia, the initiative comes as the country’s football authorities seek to raise officiating standards alongside broader efforts to rebuild the domestic game after years of disruption caused by conflict. Improving the quality of refereeing is seen as essential to enhancing the credibility of national competitions and increasing the number of Somali match officials eligible to officiate at CECAFA, CAF and FIFA tournaments.

The programme is expected to conclude with officials who meet FIFA’s required standards becoming eligible for future regional and international assignments.