A group of 16 clubs and their allies elected Idriss Ibrahim Soubaneh as the federation's new president on Thursday, 29 October, in an election organised by an ad hoc committee.
However, the election has been rejected by the existing FDF leadership, which insists that Souleiman Hassan Waberi remains the legitimate president.
The development has increased the possibility of international sanctions, with FIFA and CAF previously warning against changes to the federation's leadership that violate its statutes.
Court reinstates Waberi and suspends election process
The latest controversy comes just a day after the Djibouti Court of First Instance issued an interim ruling on 28 October.
The court provisionally suspended the effects of Waberi's removal and ordered his reinstatement, alongside his executive committee and the federation's administration.
It also suspended the implementation of fresh elections based on the disputed removal.
Despite the ruling, the group of 16 clubs proceeded with its election the following day, selecting Soubaneh as the new federation president.
The Waberi-led executive committee subsequently described the election as illegal and rejected all decisions taken during the gathering.
FIFA and CAF warn against interference
FIFA and CAF had earlier intervened in the dispute, demanding that Waberi and his executive committee be restored to their positions.
In a letter issued in October, the two governing bodies questioned the legality of the decisions taken during an extraordinary general assembly on 5 October, citing significant statutory and procedural irregularities.
They also insisted that the legitimate federation leadership should regain control of its offices, administrative systems, assets and operations.
The governing bodies warned that failure to comply could result in further measures under their statutes and regulations.
A suspension would have serious consequences for Djiboutian football, potentially preventing its national teams and clubs from participating in FIFA and CAF competitions.
Why Djibouti football is facing a leadership crisis
The dispute began on 5 October when 39 club delegates reportedly voted to remove Waberi and his executive committee during an extraordinary general assembly.
The clubs argued that a change in leadership was necessary amid allegations of maladministration and financial misconduct.
Waberi's administration rejected the meeting, arguing that it lacked the required statutory backing and that police intervention at the federation's headquarters compromised the process.
Waberi, who has led the federation since 2012, has also faced allegations concerning the management of funds. These allegations remain disputed and should not be treated as established findings of wrongdoing.
FIFA suspension could be imminent
The election of Soubaneh despite the court's interim ruling has further complicated the situation.
Pan Africa Football reports that FIFA could suspend the Djibouti Football Federation in the coming days if the dispute remains unresolved.
However, as of 31 October 2026, no official FIFA suspension announcement has been confirmed.
The immediate challenge for Djiboutian football is to resolve the competing claims to leadership and restore an administration recognised by the relevant football authorities.
Until then, the country's participation in international football could face uncertainty, with FIFA and CAF expected to closely monitor developments.