By Gilbert Wandera

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has disputed assertions by world body Fifa that two key players Dennis Oliech and Arnold Origi are ineligible to play in the June 5 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria at home.

The world body wrote to FKF last Friday informing them that the two players have picked two successive cautions and are therefore ineligible to play in the next World Cup qualifier at home.

However, FKF Secretary General Michael Esakwa said they have disputed the same and written to Fifa expressing their concerns and hope to get a positive response soon.

“We got a letter from Fifa on Friday informing us that two of our key players are suspended for the June 5 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria,

“However, according to our records this is not true because both players have not picked two yellow cards as claimed.”

“We remain confident that Fifa will confirm the same for us considering that both players remain important to our campaign in the qualifiers,” he said.

The absence of the two if confirmed will be a massive blow for Stars. Oliech as captain of the team remains the team’s highest scorer in the last decade while Origi remains indispensable in goal.

Williamson fired

Elsewhere, Uganda Cranes coach Bobby Williamson has been relieved of his duties.

According to Uganda’s daily The New Vision, Williamson has paid the price for failing to guide Uganda through various qualification campaigns for Africa’s top soccer showpiece.

The Scot had come under increasing pressure after failing to qualify for Afcon 2013 at the expense of defending champions Zambia and last month’s crushing defeat away to Liberia which left the Cranes with an uphill task to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Fufa spokesman Rogers Mulindwa made the dramatic announcement during the weekly press briefing at the federation’s headquarters in Mengo on Monday.

“The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) hereby informs the general public that a notice of termination of contract has this Monday April  8, 2013 been given to the Cranes head Coach Mr. Roberts ‘Bobby’ Williamson,” read the statement from the governing body.

“The Emergency Committee of Fufa sitting today (Monday) took the decision of notice in compliance with the contract of employment and other relevant labour laws.”