Kenya FA Faces Legal Action Over Unpaid AFCON 2017 Bid Fees
The Kenya Football Federation (KFF) has been taken to court by French consultancy firm INSYS International over an alleged unpaid debt of $30,000, linked to the country’s bid to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The firm, which was contracted to assist with Kenya’s presentation to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), claims that despite fulfilling its part of the agreement, it has not been paid for its services.
In a letter addressed to FKF President Sam Nyamweya, INSYS International director Léonard Dubreuil expressed regret over the legal action but stated that numerous attempts to resolve the matter amicably had failed.
“Mr. President, it is with regret that we have decided to sue you for the non-payment of $30,000 for our services,” the letter reads. “You mandated us on 5 September 2014 to present Kenya’s application to organize the 2017 African Cup of Nations to CAF. This work was completed in four weeks, ahead of the presentation before the CAF Executive Committee on 30 September.”
Dubreuil further revealed that during the signing of the agreement, FKF officials assured INSYS of payment by October 2014, but over eight months later, no funds have been received.
According to Kenya’s The Standard newspaper, the French company has grown increasingly frustrated by what it describes as a lack of cooperation from FKF president Sam Nyamweya, whom it accuses of ignoring follow-up communications.
The case adds to the growing list of financial and administrative challenges currently facing Kenyan football authorities. Kenya’s bid to host the 2017 AFCON was ultimately unsuccessful, with Gabon chosen as the host nation.
The lawsuit could not only affect the FKF’s financial standing but also tarnish Kenya’s international reputation as a credible candidate for future continental tournaments.
Neither the FKF nor President Sam Nyamweya has issued an official statement in response to the legal complaint at the time of writing.
