Government interference in football affairs left Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) with no option but to suspend the membership of associations of Kenya, alongside Zimbabwe. This ban means the two countries are banned from footballing activities, with immediate effect.
Problems began at Kenya’s football governing body, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in November 2021 when the Sports Cabinet Secretary disbanded FKF replacing it with retired Judge Aaron Ringera-led caretaker committee. The move angered FIFA, eventually prompting its February 24, 2022 decision to suspend Kenya’s football governing body from its membership.
While addressing the media Mr. Gianni Infantino the FIFA President stated that the ban would be lifted if CS for sports, Hon. Amina reinstated the duly and legally elected FKF Executive Committee as opposed to the caretake committee currently overseeing football matters in Kenya. Conversely, Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer Doris Petra and Barry Otieno respectively would follow up the reinstatement with a confirmation letter addressed to FIFA confirming FKF is back in full and unconditional control of football matters in Kenya.
The ban essentially means the national team will not participate in international tournaments like the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), at the continental level or at a regional tournament like the Council for East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA). On the global stage, Kenya won’t take part in the qualification process.
Other limitations will see FKF, its members, and officials fail to benefit from any development programs, courses, or training from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), FIFA, or both.