The small Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti is embroiled in a football corruption controversy after a government audit accused its football federation, largely funded by FIFA, of favoritism and lack of competitive bidding.
The report by Djibouti's government inspector, published in 2024 and recently accessed by AFP, states that the federation favored certain contractors in awarding contracts for its new headquarters and overvalued several items compared to market prices. Funds donated by Saudi Arabia for the headquarters project are also alleged to have been misused.
A local club manager, who spoke anonymously, told AFP that his team would boycott this year's national championship if leadership changes are not made. "The federation's resources are not being used to develop football," he said. Citing Cape Verde's success in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, the manager argued that Djibouti has structural problems in its football organization.
FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) provide over $1 million annually to the Djibouti federation. FIFA has not responded to AFP's request for comment.
Mohamed Elmi Farah, a member of the federation's executive committee, resigned on August 12, expressing "concerns about the management and use of the federation's resources."
Souleiman Hassan Waberi, the long-time president of the Djibouti Football Federation, insisted that FIFA has confirmed no irregularities were found in the disbursement of grants. Waberi, who also serves on the FIFA Council representing CAF, acknowledged "shortcomings in tendering" for some items but attributed them to supply constraints in Djibouti and stated that processes have been improved.
Djibouti, a nation of about one million people led by President Ismael Omar Guelleh since 1999, ranks 124th out of 182 on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index.
