Somalia withdraws from African Nations Championship qualifiers over financial challenges..

Somalia’s Football Federation has withdrawn from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 qualifiers, citing financial limitations as the primary cause. The announcement by Somalia Football Federation (SFF) General Secretary Yusuf Ahmed underscores the financial and operational challenges that have long hindered Somali football…

Ahmed told Cecafaonline.com, “We decided to withdraw because of financial challenges,” explaining that the federation lacks the resources to support a national team for the upcoming qualifiers, The withdrawal grants Burundi an automatic advancement in the CECAFA zone qualifiers, moving them directly into the next round, where they will face Uganda.

CHAN 2025, slated for February and jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, offers an important platform for showcasing local talent across Africa. The tournament restricts eligibility to players within their domestic leagues, making it a rare stage for regional players to gain international experience.

Somalia’s unexpected departure from the tournament highlights the complex financial situation within the SFF, which has long struggled to operate amid limited funding and structural setbacks. Established in 1951 and affiliated with FIFA since 1962, the SFF relies heavily on external support from FIFA, CAF, and occasional local sponsorships. However, these funds are stretched thin, covering only essential expenses while leaving little for player development or infrastructure improvements.

The Somali government’s focus on addressing national security concerns means that sports development receives minimal budgetary support, and Somalia’s corporate sector offers few sponsorship opportunities.