Barran Press
On November 18, 2024, a sports source warned that interference from the Houthi group, which is internationally classified as a terrorist organization, could lead to the suspension of football activities in Yemen by both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.
The source, speaking to Barran Press, noted that the Iran-backed group, through its unrecognized Ministry of Sports, has been threatening and making accusations against sports clubs, potentially jeopardizing football operations in the country.
During a recent meeting with representatives of clubs under Houthi control, the group's sports officials threatened strict measures against any club or representative participating in the upcoming elections for the Yemen Football Association, scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, on November 30.
The Houthi Minister of Sports, who attended the meeting, warned attendees that he would take severe action against violators, including detention and penalties affecting their families.
The source expressed concern over the participation of Mohammed Al-Ahjari, Secretary-General of the Olympic Committee, stating it violates the International Olympic Committee’s charter and aims to undermine the electoral process of the Yemen Football Association, potentially leading to chaos and suspension of Yemeni football.
He emphasized that ongoing interventions create a precarious situation for Yemeni football, which has previously faced suspensions in other countries due to governmental interference.
The Houthis are reportedly exerting pressure on clubs through security and intelligence agencies to boycott the elections, threatening to confiscate funds and detain relatives of those who travel to attend.
Furthermore, several clubs that missed the recent meeting disclosed that Ali Hadhban, the Houthi sports official in Sana'a, directly threatened them if they participated in the electoral process.
On November 16, it was reported that the Houthi group prevented candidates and members of the Yemen Football Association from traveling through Sana'a Airport ahead of the elections.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports in the unrecognized Houthi government issued a memo to the Ministry of Interior, ordering a travel ban for assembly members, referees, and coaches, with names of those prohibited from leaving the country attached to the memo.
Earlier today, the General Secretariat of the Yemen Football Association announced the final list of candidates for the upcoming elections set for November 30 in Doha.