Football Kenya Federation chief executive officer Barry Otieno says the federation will burn the midnight oil to restore normalcy in the game after Fifa lifted the country’s ban.
Kenya has been in the cold for the last 277 days and the latest news has been received with jubilation by football fans.
“This is good news for every Kenyan football fan; players, coaches, clubs, and fans. We have lost a year but now is the time to come together and rebuild ourselves for a better game,” Otieno said.
“The removal of the penalty paves the way for Kenyan national teams and clubs to participate in Caf and Fifa competitions,” he added.
Embattled FKF president Nick Mwendwa lauded sustained efforts by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba to resolve the issues that informed Kenya’s ban.
“There is a time for everything. We thank Fifa for lifting Kenya’s ban. We are now back to the fold. Let’s now work together for the good of our football,” Mwendwa said.
AFC Leopards assistant coach Tom Juma praised the move, saying Kenyan footballers now have something to look forward to.
“The players will put a lot of effort into realizing that they can now be called to the national teams if they meet the expectations,” Juma said.
“Furthermore, our teams can now participate in international competitions. It was heartbreaking to see Tusker and Vihiga Queens shut out of the continental championships last season due to bans.”
Nairobi City Stars CEO Patrick Korir was elated that they will finally get to participate in a league that is recognised by the world football governing body.
“At least we are assured of competing with clubs from other countries if we win the league. The competition now has a definite direction unlike in the previous season when all the league fixtures seemed like friendly matches,” Korir said.
Kenya’s ban has been lifted a month after Namwamba, the recently appointed Sports Cabinet Secretary, promised to contact the world federation for a speedier process.
Former Football Kenya Federation chairman Sam Nyamweya also welcomed FIFA’s decision. “It is gratifying to note that the Fifa Bureau has in its wisdom considered and found it appropriate to lift the suspension meted on Football Kenya Federation.”
The lifting of the suspension will allow our national teams and clubs access to the international competition platform. Kenya’s ban has been lifted a month after Namwamba, the recently appointed Sports Cabinet Secretary, promised to contact the world federation for a speedier process.
In a letter on Monday, Fifa secretary general Fatma Samoura said that Fifa Council’s Bureau unanimously agreed on the decision on November 25 after Kenya met all the pre-set requirements.
“We would like to inform you that the situation of the FKF was submitted to the Bureau of the FIFA Council for consideration and decision on November 25, 2022,” the letter read.
