Kenyan Football Federation Faces FIFA Sanctions Over Delayed AGM

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is embroiled in a potential conflict with the international governing body FIFA over the postponement of its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

In a stern letter dated March 26, FIFA warned the FKF of sanctions if they fail to hold the meeting and schedule upcoming elections. The crux of the issue lies in a court order obtained by sports journalist Milton Nyakundi on March 15. Nyakundi challenged the legality of the AGM, prompting the Mombasa High Court to intervene and halt the event just a day before it was scheduled. This court involvement is seen by FIFA as a violation of their statutes which prohibit third-party interference in member association affairs.

FIFA has made its position clear: any attempt to obstruct the FKF AGM, regardless of the source, will be considered a transgression. Should such an obstruction occur, FIFA will be obligated to report the matter to their relevant bodies for potential sanctions, potentially leading to a suspension of the FKF.
This is not the first time Kenyan football has faced such a predicament. In 2022, a government decision to install a caretaker committee in place of the elected FKF leadership resulted in a similar suspension by FIFA. The ban was only lifted once the government reversed its decision and reinstated the FKF Executive Committee.

“FIFA takes the view that any further attempt by a third party to prevent the FKF Annual General Meeting from taking place might be considered a violation to the above-mentioned principle, which would oblige our institution to bring the matter to the attention of the relevant FIFA bodies for consideration of possible sanctions in line with the FIFA Statutes,” FIFA further instructs.

The current situation presents a crucial challenge for Kenyan football. FKF must navigate the legal hurdles posed by the court order while also adhering to FIFA's regulations. Failure to do so could lead to a suspension from international competitions, a consequence that would be detrimental to the development and growth of the sport in Kenya. The government, which has already made significant financial contributions to the organization of the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 AFCON, may take immediate action to ensure that the AGM and subsequent elections proceed as planned.

Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, who has held multiple meetings with CAF and FIFA resulting in the lifting of the previous suspension, is fully aware of the potential consequences if FIFA's requests are not met.