Djibouti Football Federation president Souleiman Waberi is facing the biggest challenge of his 14-year tenure after 27 clubs formally called for an extraordinary general assembly to vote on the removal of the federation’s executive committee.
The request was submitted on 3 September following weeks of growing tensions within the federation, including concerns over financial management and the resignation of steering committee member Mohamed Elmi Farah.
The clubs have accused the federation of multiple governance failures, including a lack of financial transparency and failure to publish mandatory audit reports.
They have also raised concerns over repeated delays to competitions, administrative decisions allegedly taken without consultation with member clubs, and what they describe as unfair and discriminatory treatment.
The coalition argues that its petition should automatically lead to an extraordinary general assembly under Article 30 of the federation’s statutes because it has secured the support of more than two-thirds of the federation’s associate members.
However, tensions have increased over the federation’s handling of the petition.
According to the clubs, a court bailiff attempted to deliver the request to the federation’s headquarters, but the general secretary allegedly refused to acknowledge receipt on two occasions.
The federation has not publicly recognised the request, leaving uncertainty over whether the extraordinary assembly will be convened.
The dispute has attracted attention beyond the federation, with Djibouti’s Presidency reportedly monitoring developments as the disagreement threatens to create further concerns around the country’s football administration.
FIFA has also been informed of the situation.
Waberi has served as president of the Djibouti Football Federation since 2012 and has been regarded as a close ally of FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
His leadership has previously faced criticism over governance matters, including allegations relating to the composition of the federation’s electoral commission.
The latest challenge represents a significant test for Waberi, with the 27 clubs now pushing for a formal vote on the future of the federation’s executive committee.
The dispute is expected to remain under scrutiny as the clubs press for greater accountability and clarity over the federation’s financial and administrative management.
