FIFA threatens to bar Kenya from hosting 2027 AFCON
Kenya faces the risk of losing its hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside neighboring Tanzania and Uganda.
This as reported by The Star of Kenya. Additionally, the country may also be barred from hosting the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHANADV).
The looming threat stems from a directive issued by FIFA, the world football governing body, following concerns over third-party interference in the affairs of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
FIFA expressed dissatisfaction with a verdict by the Mombasa High Court on March 16, which ordered the suspension of the FKF Annual General Meeting (AGM). In response, FIFA instructed the FKF to promptly convene the AGM, highlighting that the court order seemed to suggest undue influence by external parties.
The court ruling came amidst a lawsuit filed by sports journalist Milton Nyakundi challenging the legality of the federation to hold the AGM.
In a letter addressed to FKF secretary general Barry Otieno, FIFA’s chief member association officer, Kenny Jeane-Marie, emphasized the importance of upholding the principle of non-interference in football administration. The letter warned that any further attempts by third parties to obstruct the FKF AGM could result in sanctions imposed by FIFA.
The FIFA letter stated, “Given the foregoing, the FKF is directed to conduct its AGM soon and to continue working towards conducting the FKF elections later this year.”
The fate of Kenya’s hosting rights for AFCON 2027 and Chan 2024 hangs in the balance pending compliance with FIFA’s directives and the resolution of the legal challenges surrounding the FKF AGM.
