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Mogadishu,( insidesomalia.org) Former President of the Somalia Football Federation (SFF), Farah Addo, has had his 10 year ban lifted by FIFA president Sepp Blatter by personal decree.
Blatter took the decision after reviewing critically the clemency plea brought forward by Addo during the last edition of the African Nations Cup in Ghana.
Addo, who was a former vice-president of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF), was heavily fined and placed on a 10 year suspension by FIFA in 2004 after being convicted on corruption charges.
He allegedly embezzled thousands of dollars given to the Somalia Football Federation by the world soccer governing body.
According to reports monitored on BBC Sport, Blatter in a letter sent to Addo said he had accepted an appeal for forgiveness from the former Somali football boss.
"During our brief discussion (at the Nations Cup), you asked me, in my capacity as FIFA president, for a pardon in the unfortunate situation that led to your ban from taking part in any football-related activities for 10 years; as decided by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on 20 July 2004," Blatter wrote.
"With this in mind, I take pleasure in informing you herewith that your ban has indeed been lifted by presidential decision, with immediate effect." he added
Addo, a strong critic of FIFA boss Blatter, during his election campaign for the position, was initially suspended in 2002 after being quoted by the media as saying that some African delegates were bribed to support the Swiss.
He was fined US$40,000 in 2004 when he was found guilty of diverting FIFA disbursed funds meant for developing the level of the game in the troubled East African country.
Addo resigned from all his posts after the suspension was placed on him.
Somalia's football teams suffer from no grass roots infrastructure, proper training facilities and lack of investment to compete at highest level. All the stadiums have been destroyed or are being used for other means; the national stadium is used as military base by Ethiopian Army. National Stadium looks like scene out of Lord of War with Nicolas Cage.
Compared to other countries in Africa whose players managed to break into best leagues such as in England's Premiership and Spain's La Liga, Somalia footballers don't have opportunity to practice their trade at highest level.
Most of the Somali Football team takes part in East & Central African play-offs and competition of the Arab league countries but with limited success.
Before the civil war Somalia had 8 big football teams with utmost experienced players and illustrious coaches. Those known celebrated Somali football clubs were: Horseed club, Mogadishu, Jeenyo, Wagad, Waxool, Batroolka, Badda, and Madbaca.
After the civil war all known football clubs collapsed and new clubs emerged and the best one is Elman Football Club sponsored by World Concern, an international NGO.
Elman Football is the only team being paid and the team tours around the regions of the country earning player with higher qualities to play for the team.
Elderly football icons who themselves influenced by ongoing conflict, unemployment and the social problems existing in Somalia had established an association to support Somali Football players.
As noted by the new chairman of the Union Abdulahi Siyad, former midfielder of team and a coach, the aim of this association is to acquire a strong Somali National team.
"Instead of fighting with guns, we are trying to give young people and country in general to put their energy on the field".
In a country forgotten by world community, people such as Abdullahi Siyad are trying to piece together some normality and bring "hope". It is highly admiring considering situation on the ground.
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