Soccer managers must not scuttle efforts to stamp out hooliganism

The recent confusion flared up by a decision of the Independent Disciplinary and Appeals Committee (IDAC) cannot be good for local football.

While IDAC rightly ruled that Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards play their next home matches in an empty stadium due to fan trouble, it is surprising that Football Kenya dismissed the decision a few days later.

This has only created confusion and undermines the fight against hooliganism. The country has suffered greatly due to fan trouble in previous matches involving the national team Harambee Stars.

Five years ago a fan died at Nyayo National Stadium during an international match and the move saw world body Fifa ban fans from attending the subsequent home tie.

Recently, Fifa has restricted the number of fans watching international matches after incidences of fan trouble. It is therefore upon FKL to do everything within its power to ensure that football is played in a safe environment, considering that there has been a renewed sense of interest by corporate sponsors to be involved in sports.

It is also worth noting that Gor and Leopards— though they enjoy a huge fan base— are yet to attract any corporate sponsorship and this may be attributed to their rowdy fans.

FKL and Kenya Premier League should work together to stamp out hooliganism and any efforts put out by either of them to eradicate the vice must be encouraged.

As it is, there is confusion over whether fans will be allowed to watch the next home matches of the two teams and this is not good for the game.