Somalia has expressed interest in hosting international football matches, saying the government was able to guarantee peace and security for visiting teams and officials.
The country’s Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre made the remarks during the historic visit by the Confederations of African Football President Ahmad Ahmad.
“The Federal Government of Somalia guarantees peace and security of football officials and players coming here for football games. As is the case with people all over the world, Somalis are also entitled to enjoy football and support their national teams as well as watch other teams play here,” Khayre said.
The Prime Minister said Somalia could use the football agenda to promote peace in the country.
“The Government has shown the ability to have peace and security in the country through football,” he added.
Khayre also took time to thank neighbouring Djibouti for allowing his country to host matchs in the country.
“We feel as if we are in our second country and we thank them for their warm hospitality, but we have a right to play at home,” he said.
CAF President Ahmad arrived in Somalia on Monday for a two-day working visit, the first by a top African football official.
During his campaigns, Ahmad had pledged to visit Somalia soon as he was elected, and he did just that.
Somalia is currently ranked as one of the worst football sides in the world, a fact that is attributed to the many years of violence that the country has gone through.
