Somali referee 'gunned down near home' in Mogadishu

Experienced Somali referee Osman Jama Dirah was killed on his way home in Mogadishu on Thursday night, according to reports.

“The sports officer was killed after leaving mosque on the way to his residence in Wardhigley district. Two men armed with pistols shot him several times,” said Anas Ali Mohamud.

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Mohamud, a friend of the deceased – and former Somali national team player – said the killers fled the scene before security forces could arrive.

VOA News report that the motive for Dirah’s murder is unclear, and so far no one has claimed responsibility.

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“Somali sports figures and members of the Somali Football Federation have never been a target for the armed groups because they did not get involved into politics, they were entertainers. But the killing of this official has created a fear and uncertainty among us,” Mohamud added.

Mohamud added Dirah contributed to Somali soccer for more than 25 years, having covered national and international matches.