Kenya’s football fraternity faces the looming specter of another suspension from FIFA if the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) fails to promptly convene its annual general meeting and comply with the organization’s statutes. Joseph Okumu, a pivotal figure in Kenyan football, underscores the urgency of this situation, warning of dire consequences for the nation’s players.
The threat of suspension looms ominously over Kenya, reminiscent of the nine-month ban imposed in 2022 due to government interference in football affairs. The ramifications were severe, resulting in Kenya’s exclusion from the qualifying rounds of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Now, with FIFA’s recent ultimatum to the FKF in March, another suspension could jeopardize Kenya’s aspirations for the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Joseph Okumu, the revered Kenyan defender plying his trade with Stade de Reims, has emphasized the imperative of steering clear of another suspension.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Africa, Okumu stressed the necessity for unity among Kenyan football stakeholders to avert this looming crisis.
“When all stakeholders come together and develop a proper plan to accommodate the players, we can take the next step.
We need to stop shooting ourselves in the foot by getting suspended from football because it’s a problem,” remarked Okumu, echoing the sentiments of many within the Kenyan football fraternity.
Okumu elucidated the pivotal role of international tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers in fostering the growth and exposure of local players.
Drawing from personal experience, he highlighted the transformative impact of participation in such tournaments, citing his own development during the African Cup of Nations in 2019.
The fate of Kenyan football hangs precariously on the FKF’s ability to align with FIFA’s stipulations and rally stakeholders towards sustainable development.
As the nation sets its sights on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the imperative for unity and compliance becomes increasingly paramount in ensuring Kenya’s continued presence on the global football stage.
