Kenya facing ban as FIFA warns over government interference

FIFA has urged the Kenyan government to stop interfering in sport to avoid being banned from international football.

In a letter, FIFA has warned Kenya faces ‘consequences’ after the Sports Cabinet Secretary announced on Thursday that she was disbanding Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

FIFA said CS Amina’s actions were in strict breach of FIFA’s regulations outlawing political interference and action will be taken if the matter is not resolved soon.

“We consider that the aforementioned decision by the Cabinet Secretary to appoint a FKF Caretaker Committee in lieu of the elected FKF Executive Committee is undoubtedly contrary to the above principles.

“Should this be considered as undue government interference in the internal affairs of the FKF, it could lead to a ban imposed on the FKF by the competent FIFA body,” a letter signed by FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer Kenny Jean-Marie said.

The world governing body has left the door open for negotiations by giving the government time to reverse its and by calling for a tripartite meeting with FKF and Ministry officials.

“In the event the decision to appoint a FKF Caretaker Committee and correlated secretariat was to be upheld, we would have no other choice than to submit the present matter to the Bureau of FIFA Council for consideration and decision.

“Finally, and as referred to in the Cabinet Secretary’s letter of 18 October 2021, we would like to emphasize on our willingness to hold a meeting with the FKF and the Ministry of Sport as soon as possible so as to address any concern both sides may have and, all together, to decide on a way forward for the sake of Kenyan football.”

On Thursday, the current FKF administration that is led by Nick Mwendwa was locked out of its offices at Kandanda House in what was the clearest indication the Government was following through its decision.

Mwendwa has vowed to ‘remain in charge’ after rejecting the Caretaker Committee which he said was illegal.

FIFA, which does not accept third party involvement in its member federations, did not proved a timeline for the government to reverse their decision.