Once again, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) finds itself in a legal tussle over elections. With the tenure of the current office expiring on February 10, a week from today, there is every reason to worry about the feasibility of conducting the poll before the March 31 deadline issued by world governing body, Fifa.
Clearly, FKF is behind schedule as they inaugurate a newly reconstituted Electoral Board today after the Sports Disputes Tribunal nullified the initial one on grounds it was improperly established.
As an institution that manages the beautiful game of football in trust for Kenyans, it is imperative that FKF gets its act together to spare the country another round of shenanigans.
It is commendable that the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Amina Mohamed, has been clear that the elections must be conducted in accordance with the laws of the country and specifically, the Sports Act 2013 and Fifa Statutes.
The CS has also been categorical that issues of Kenyan football cannot be resolved outside the country and that she is engaging all stakeholders to ensure FKF beats the deadline set by Fifa.
There is more to developing football than the appalling FKF leadership wrangles after every four years. After all, football is not the only sport in the country that requires the attention of the Sports ministry. If at all there are rules and regulations, why should FKF be the one that poses all these problems all the time?
The football association is registered and bound by the provisions of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, and Sports Act 2013 – supported also by Fifa statutes. The protagonists must, therefore, be made to play by the book.
The Sports Disputes Tribunal pronounced itself on December 3 last year on the matters to do with the need for public participation. It also ordered the Electoral Board to be reconstituted so as to get the ball rolling towards a credible election. What is so difficult to abide by the decisions?
This matter should not be allowed to drag on, especially with the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers coming up.
It is also commendable that the Sports CS has unequivocally pronounced herself on the matter. What needs to be done, therefore, is to move with speed and decisively ensure FKF does not flout its own constitution.
The impunity with which FKF conducts its business is legendary. The Sports CS should be supported in her efforts to streamline sports federations in the country. She has a lot on her plate, including the upcoming World Athletics Continental Tour on May 2, the World Athletics Under-20, WRC Safari Rally and the Tokyo Olympics, to deal with. FKF should not be allowed to waste Kenyans’ time and resources. They either play by the book or shut shop.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join