The fallout from Somalia’s runner scandal has been –– ironically –– fast.
Khadijo Aden Dahir, chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation, was suspended on Wednesday after Nasra Ali Abukar, who is alleged to be her niece, competed in the women’s 100-meter race at the FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China and finished 10 seconds behind the heat’s winner.
Abukar’s 21.81 seconds effort is being dubbed the “slowest-ever” in a global contest, according to the Daily Mail.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Somalia posted the document that detailed the reasons for Dahir’s suspension on Twitter.
“Ms. Khadijo Aden Dahir, the Chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation, has engaged in acts of abuse of power, nepotism, and defaming the name of the nation in international arena,” it read.
“Nasro Abukar Ali has been identified as not sports person nor a runner”
The decision came after a preliminary investigation meeting with the Executive Committee of the National Olympic Committee of Somalia which will convene again in the near future for an “urgent meeting” to discuss and decide upon the “necessary course of action.”
The document, signed by Hon. Mohamed Barre Mohamud, the Minister of Youth and Sports, said they plan on taking legal action.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports firmly declares its intention to pursue legal action against both the Chairman of the Athletics Federation of Somalia and individuals responsible for the falsification of the Somali University Sports Association.”
The video of Abukar’s slow sprint went viral this week and people questioned how the woman, who is believed to be 20, was selected for the competition.
Elham Garaad, a Somali commentator who posted the video on Twitter, slammed the government for its poor choice.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports should step down,” Garaad wrote.
“It’s disheartening to witness such an incompetent government. How could they select an untrained girl to represent Somalia in running? It’s truly shocking and reflects poorly on our country internationally.”
The FISU World University Games, held every two years, is exclusively for student-athletes.
According to NBC News, the Association of Somali Universities reported that it did not send any runners to this year’s 100-meter event.