On Monday, January 9, 2023, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), stated that it is yet to make a final decision on whether Kenya would be allowed to grace the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Speaking in Nairobi during a press briefing attended by Sports cabinet secretary Ababu Namwamba and a FIFA delegation, CAF legal counsel Naddim Magdy, disclosed that they first have to listen to the government and FKF before making an ultimate resolution.
“We first have to hear what the Kenyan government and FKF (Football Kenya Federation) are suggesting. We then take this back to our headquarters and discuss it internally.
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“We will be able by then to give an answer to the media. At his moment we cannot give an answer to this question. From now on, yes, the FKF is entitled to participate in any CAF competition,” stated Magdy.
On the other hand, Namwamba promised the FIFA and CAF delegation that the government would not interfere with football affairs.
According to the former legislator, the ministry would not influence the decisions made by FKF.
“We have assured FIFA and CAF, that the government of the republic of Kenya is not interested in being involved in the direct management of football.
“It is not the business of the government to run the football. The federation has got its own infrastructure to manage the affairs of football,” stated Namwamba
Namwamba added that the government would create a favorable environment.
“This government is only interested in one thing; creating an enabling environment for football to run effectively.
“And that enabling environment includes making sure that we have proper laws and policies to make sure those who run football do it effectively,” he ended.
Kenya and Zimbabwe were excluded from the AFCON draw which was made a few months ago due to a ban from FIFA.
The two nations were sanctioned by FIFA as a result of government involvement in football affairs.
However, on Monday, November 28, 2022, the world football governing body lifted the embargo on Kenya.
The 2023 AFCON is scheduled to start on Friday, June 23, in Ivory Coast.