The world football governing body, FIFA, has suspended Kenya from all football competitions due to government interference.
In November 2021, the government disbanded the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and installed a caretaker committee to run football activities in the country.
Through a press briefing by FIFA on February 24, the Kenyan government was given several demands that must be met for the ban to be lifted. Also joining Kenya in the list of banned countries in Zimbabwe.
"In accordance with article 13 of the FIFA Statutes, FKF loses all its membership rights as of 24 February 2022 until further notice.
“FKF representatives and club teams are therefore no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted. This also means that neither the FKF nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any development programs, courses or training from FIFA or CAF," part of the letter from FIFA read.
The ban was also confirmed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a live press conference.
"Both nations know what they need to do for things to return to normal,” Infantino noted.
The caretaker committee has been running the football affairs in the country for close to five month with questions arising over its recognition by CAF and FIFA.
The committee assured the football stakeholders it was fully in charge and in constant communications with the world football governing body.
Recently, Harambee Starlets were dismissed by CAF from the Africa Women Cup of Nations giving Uganda a direct ticket to the tournament. The committee tried to intervene and convince CAF to reverse their decision but they were not successful.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, while suspending Kenya from all football activities, stated that the FKF committee was constituted and installed in an illegitimate way.
“Without prejudice to any investigations by national authorities or other judicial bodies, the FIFA Council also decided to suspend the Football Kenya Federation and the Zimbabwe Football Association with immediate effect due to undue interference by a third party,” Infantino announced.
The suspension will cripple all soccer activities in the country. This means Kenya will not be able to take part in any competitive event outside the country including regional (CECAFA), continental (AFCON, CHAN), international competitions (World Cup), and even at club level (CAF CC, CAF CL).
The suspension will not only affect Harambee Stars and Harambee Starlets but also all other clubs playing in league matches.
Locally based players cannot sign to any professional club outside the country during the suspension period.
Furthermore, Kenyan referees will not be allowed to officiate any international tournament.
The Ministry of Sports is expected to give a way forward and respond to the suspension.