Garowe (KAAB TV) – Mohamed Ali Iiro, the former president of the Puntland Football Federation (PFF), was arrested today in Garowe as he was reportedly preparing to depart from Garowe Airport.
Sources confirm that the arrest took place early this morning and was carried out by local authorities. The reasons behind Iiro’s arrest remain unclear, but multiple reports suggest that it is linked to a long-standing dispute within the Puntland Football Federation, particularly his refusal to hand over the office to newly elected officials.
Insiders indicate that Mohamed Iiro has been resisting the transfer of power to the current PFF leadership, a move that has caused prolonged tension within Puntland’s football administration. Other sources suggest that his arrest may also be politically motivated, citing alleged ties with government officials in Mogadishu.
The timing of his arrest has raised eyebrows, as it coincides with an executive committee meeting of the Somali Football Federation (SFF) currently taking place in Mogadishu. Some analysts believe the arrest may be connected to national-level tensions within the football governance structure.
Mohamed Ali Iiro had previously contested the results of the recent PFF elections, in which Abdihakim Hakiiki was declared the new president. Iiro publicly accused Puntland’s Ministry of Youth and Sports of manipulating the election process and backing Hakiiki’s candidacy.
In a further complication, the Somali Football Federation has refused to recognize the election results and continues to acknowledge Mohamed Iiro as the legitimate president of the PFF. This rift between the regional and national football bodies has deepened divisions within the sport.
The leadership crisis has had a notable impact on Puntland’s top-tier football clubs, many of which have taken sides in the dispute. The split has disrupted league operations, delayed planning for tournaments, and jeopardized the development of football in the region.
As of now, no official charges have been publicly disclosed, and Mohamed Iiro remains in custody. Calls for transparency and resolution are growing louder, both from within Puntland and the broader Somali football community.