As a result of the ban, Kenya Premier League defending champions, Tusker, were denied participation in the African Champions League last season.
Equally affected by the ban were the KPL Women’s champions Vihiga Queens who regrettably missed out on the Caf Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
Image: HANDOUT
A state of jubilation has swept through Kenya following the announcement that Fifa has lifted its ban on the country.
There are many reasons why the decision has sent Kenyan football fans into a tizzy. It was not easy for the East African nation whose teams were painfully shut out of the international stage for 277 days.
The suspension wreaked massive havoc in the country with local teams bearing the brunt of the burden. As a result, Kenya Premier League defending champions, Tusker, were denied participation in the African Champions League last season.
Equally affected by the ban were the KPL Women’s champions Vihiga Queens who regrettably missed out on the Caf Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
Whereas Harambee Stars failed to participate in international events, Harambee Starlets were forced out of the Awcon qualifiers as they prepared to face Uganda.
Then in another shocking move, the Football Kenya Federation canceled the seasons of several tiers played across the country.
Apart from stripping the respective champions of their deserved titles, the decision denied a number of teams the chance to be promoted after hard work.
The ugly turn of events has plunged the troubled federation into hot water with at least five teams rushing to the corridors of justice to challenge contentious decisions.
Notable victims of the FKF decision are Administration Police Bomet and Fortune Sacco who had both earned promotions to the country’s top tier.
While AP are leading a fierce onslaught in court, Fortune Sacco is closely monitoring the case and crossing its fingers for a favourable outcome.
Their frustration is understandable given the huge amount of money spent preparing the teams for the canceled season.
In defence, Football Kenya Federation have said the government-backed Caretaker Committee was running the league in violation of Fifa rules, hence the decision to cancel all the seasons.
Hopefully, such dire situations will now be a thing of the past after Fifa reinstated Kenya in the continental arena. The glad tidings were brought to light on Monday by Fifa secretary general Fatma Samoura in a statement to FKF chief executive officer, Barry Otieno.
The Fifa Council’s Bureau unanimously agreed on the decision on November 25 after Kenya met all the pre-set requirements.
According to Samoura, a high-profile delegation of Fifa and Caf officials is expected in the country to advise on the next steps.
To avoid a repeat of the shenanigans that got us into the mess, those entrusted with running the federations must maintain high integrity at all times.
Only effective measures can help control unscrupulous officials who can lead the country into trouble. The Sports Act will be essential for complete housekeeping.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has made clear his intention to force all sports associations in the country to observe transparency and accountability.
Namwamba has also asked all federations to act above board and follow the rule of law if they intend to benefit from government funds.
There are also plans to implement a multi-agency approach in dealing with issues related to questionable leadership.
The local sports bodies have been established to serve as a link between the government, football stakeholders, and the world governing federations.
Any actions taken by them must be for the benefit of the public as a whole and they must not do anything to show that they are serving selfish interests.