FKL will appeal to have its matches at home

By Gilbert Wandera

Football Kenya will appeal to global football governing body Fifa to rescind its decision banning Kenyan stadia from hosting any of the 2014 World Cup qualifying matches.

Mohammed Hatimy, the FKL chairman, said they are confident that the ban will be lifted.

Hatimy will work together with Sports Stadia Management Board (SSMB) to put in place everything needed by Fifa to ensure Kenya hosts the qualifiers.

Harambee Stars is due to play Seychelles in the knockout stage of the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier in November in Nairobi.

However, Fifa media section ruled out staging this match in Kenya saying an earlier ban was still in force.

In 2005, at least one person was trampled to death during a World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Morocco at the Nyayo National Stadium.

"The ban on our stadia was communicated to us last year after the World Cup qualifier match against Nigeria at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. This was largely due to fan misbehaviour and certain security concerns that should have been put in place," said Hatimy.

"I am sure that once we do everything required Fifa will consider our appeal and lift the suspension."

SSMB Chief Executive Benjamin Sogomo however said they are not aware of the ban because Fifa or FKL had not communicated to them on the suspension.

Kenya prohibited

"We are surprised by such information because FKL has not told us anything. We are not aware whether we need to do anything on our facilities so that they can host Fifa matches. Kasarani hosted two World Cup qualifiers two years ago successfully and we are surprised by the ban," said Sogomo.

Fifa announced Monday that Kenya are prohibited from hosting Seychelles in the second leg of their World Cup qualifying preliminary round mid next month.

The first leg is scheduled for early next month in Seychelles.

If Harambee Stars edge out Seychelles, they will be forced to play their next matches away from home, that is if the suspension is not lifted.

This has also affected the November 11 World Cup qualifier between Somalia and Ethiopia.

Somalia, who cant stage a match in Mogadishu because of security concerns, were hoping to use Nyayo National Stadium as their home ground in the qualifiers.