By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, 6 July 2026 – The Somali Football Federation said on Sunday it launched the FIFA MA Elite 2026 referees training programme for match officials in Somalia.
The “MA Elite” programme is part of FIFA’s refereeing development system for member associations, designed to identify and train elite referees through physical, technical and performance-based assessments in line with international standards.
The training was opened by Somali Football Federation President and CECAFA Vice President Ali Abdi Mohamed, who said improving refereeing standards was key to strengthening the quality and integrity of domestic football.
According to state media, 35 referees are taking part in the programme, including both centre referees and assistant referees, undergoing a series of physical and technical tests.
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The assessments include running drills, endurance tests, speed evaluations and overall fitness checks designed to measure readiness for high-level officiating.
The tests are being conducted by two FIFA instructors from Djibouti and Zimbabwe, who are evaluating the referees based on international standards.
The Somali Football Federation said the programme is part of broader efforts to develop refereeing capacity in the country and align domestic officiating standards with regional and international levels.