Sports Ministry bans soccer matches at Banaadir Stadium over fees, Federation vows to proceed

The Ministry of Sports yesterday suspended all football matches at Mogadishu’s Banaadir stadium following dispute over entry fees collection by Somali Football Federation.

But the Federation has rubbished the ban noting it would conduct its matches regardless of the order from the ministry.

Deputy Sports Minister Osman Adan Dhayow yesterday told the media the ministry had arrived at the decision after it emerged the Federation was not remitting any money to the ministry in line with the rules and regulations governing the sport in the country.

He also claimed the Federal was using forged receipts and collecting money from football fans illegally.

‘We want everything to be done in accordance with the law; we will never allow laws to be broken. It is our responsibility to oversee the running of stadiums. SFF should abide by the law” said Dhayow.

But speaking to Goobjoog News Wednesday, a media official at the Federation confirmed all matches will proceed unhindered despite the ban. “We have a football match between Elman FC and Signjet FC this afternoon. The executive committee of the Federation will hold talks with the ministry but as of now the matches will go ahead,” said the official who declined to be named.

The Ministry of Sports has also called on the Federation to register with the Ministry and submit all documents for verification.

The president of Somali Football Federation, Abdiqani Said Arab, was this month elected vice president of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations [CECAFA].