After a nine-month ban on football-related activities in 2022, Kenya has successfully resumed its activities. But an emerging crisis at the Football Federation has raised fears of a new FIFA sanction.
In February 2022, FIFA suspended Kenya because of government interference in soccer. This led to the country's disqualification from the games leading up to the 2023 African Cup of Nations. Two years on, a new threat hangs over the East African nation. It could be excluded from qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. This is due to disputes within the Kenya Football Federation (FKF).
The election of the FKF Executive Committee was due to take place on March 16. However, journalist Milton Nyakundi lodged an appeal challenging the legality of the procedure and the validity of certain candidates' files. The Mombasa High Court then decided to suspend the procedure for investigation. On March 27, FIFA demanded that the Kenyan FA do everything in its power to resolve the situation. The body also deplored the involvement of "ordinary courts" in soccer management.
Suffice it to say that if the situation does not change, FIFA will not hesitate to bring down the hammer. A disqualification would certainly be dramatic for Kenya, who are3rd in World Cup qualifying Group F (3 pts) behind Côte d'Ivoire and Gabon (6 pts). The Harambee Stars beat the Seychelles 5-0 before falling narrowly to Gabon (1-2). In addition, during the international break in March 2024, they recorded two wins over Zimbabwe and Malawi (3-1 and 4-0 respectively). In other words, the team has bounced back after a 09-month ban on all football-related activities.
For Joseph Okumu, the authorities need to sit down and sort out the problem. The Stade de Reims player and pillar of the Kenyan team (23 years, 16 caps) told BBC Sport Africa. " We have to stop shooting ourselves in the foot by getting suspended from soccer because it's a problem. It continues to affect the country and promising players. It's crucial for us to move in the same direction for the sake of Kenyan soccer. Until we do, it will prevent the country from competing with other great nations and it will be difficult for our soccer to develop. " A call to responsibility.
