FKF wrangles raise concerns over AFCON 2027 preparations as FIFA deadline nears

Concerns are mounting over the internal leadership wrangles at Football Kenya Federation (FKF) as pressure builds ahead of the country’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Stakeholders have warned that the ongoing divisions within the federation could begin to cast doubt on Kenya’s ability to effectively deliver its role as a co-host of the continental showpiece, should the dispute remain unresolved.

Both FKF president Hussein Mohamed and former international Victor Wanyama Mariga have recently been gazetted into the AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee (LOC), alongside all National Executive Committee (NEC) members, in a move meant to unify key football stakeholders in the planning process.

However, questions are now being raised about how a divided federation can function cohesively on a project of such magnitude. Insiders argue that unity and goodwill from the host federation remain critical ingredients for the successful execution of a tournament of AFCON’s scale.

“There must be a single, functional structure if Kenya is to deliver this tournament effectively. Two parallel sides cannot drive the same national agenda,” one stakeholder observed.

The situation has also drawn attention at the highest levels, with AFCON 2027 being regarded as a flagship national project closely tied to government oversight. There are growing concerns that continued infighting could damage Kenya’s image on the continental stage, potentially prompting decisive intervention from top authorities if the situation escalates.

FIFA has already set May 1 as the deadline for submission of NEC-related documentation, after which the global football governing body is expected to provide a clear way forward on governance issues within the federation.

With the deadline approaching, pressure is now intensifying on FKF leadership to resolve internal differences and present a united front, as the country seeks to maintain momentum in its preparations for one of Africa’s biggest sporting events.