FIFA has lifted the suspension it imposed on Kenya Football Federation (FKF) over alleged government interference.
The world football governing body imposed the sanctions on FKF on February 24 2022 alongside ZIFA of Zimbabwe.
In the latest decision, FIFA says the Kenyan government has met pre-conditions necessitating the lifting of the ban.
“We are, therefore, pleased to confirm that the Government has fulfilled the aforementioned conditions as set out by the FIFA Council, as part of the ongoing efforts by the Government to allow Kenya’s return to international football,” FIFA’s letter reads.
“In this regard, the Federation will in the coming days communicate the next steps, including the status of the just concluded 2021/2022 league season and scheduled dates for the kick-off of the 2022/2023 league season.”
The world football governing body has since thanked Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba for the critical role he has played in returning Kenyan football to normalcy.
However, FIFA says the lifting of the ban was subject to the following conditions:
1. The repeal of the Cabinet Secretary’s decision of November 11, 2021, which appointed the Caretaker Committee in lieu of the elected FKF Executive Committee; and
2. FIFA’s receipt of confirmation from the FKF and its management, led by Vice-President Doris Petra and General Secretary Barry Otieno that the FKF and its premises are once more under their full and unconditional control.
FIFA banned the FAs for Kenya and Zimbabwe in February this year due to their respective government’s interference in the running of football affairs.
The ministry of sports in Kenya had disbanded Kenya FA for alleged misappropriation of funds.
The Zimbabwe Sports Council also banned ZIFA around the same time.
Kenya FA boss Nick Mwenda stepped aside after being accused by the government of fraud, among many other charges.
Zimbabwe sports council took the decision citing sexual harassment of female referees and fraud.
