MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – The Somali inter-state football tournament faced a major setback as Southwest State players joined Puntland in boycotting the games held in Mogadishu last week.
The ongoing feud between Mogadishu and Puntland had already led to Puntland’s complete withdrawal from this year’s competition.
The latest blow came when Southwest State authorities, led by President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen), issued a decisive order for their players to “immediately leave Mogadishu” and abstain from participating in the semi-final leg of the tournament.
This decision was prompted by a disturbing incident where six regional players were targeted and injured on 11 January, in what is being labeled as a hate crime, following a match against the Galmudug State team at the Mogadishu Stadium.
Southwest State Minister of Sports, Salman Shuceyb, revealed that this was not the first attack of its kind, citing a similar incident in 2016 where several players were injured. Shuceyb stated, “Six of our players were hit, and two sustained critical injuries. The attackers were known supporters of the rival group,” urging urgent action to address the situation.
Despite interventions by Banadir Regional Governor Yusuf Jim’ale Madale and National Intelligence Director Mahad Salad, connected to Galmudug due to clan affiliation, the efforts proved futile, leading to the withdrawal of Southwest State players from the match.
Although suspected attackers were detained by the Mogadishu police, Southwest State officials insisted that the real culprits remained at large.
The football tournament, already marred by regional boycotts, has become a subject of mockery on social media.
With only Banadir, Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and Jubbaland participating, some social media influencers have openly referred to the cup as a “clan cup,” highlighting the divisive nature of the event which raises concerns about the unity and inclusivity of Somali football.
It’s worth noting that Somaliland has consistently abstained from participating, asserting its status as an independent country.
Additionally, the sports ministry rejected players from the newly established SSC-Khaatumo, citing political reasons.