IT’S CECAFA V FIFA: Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against associations in the region, but stakeholders read politics ahead of CAF polls
Football
By
Gilbert Wandera
| Feb 24, 2017
Football stakeholders are seeing world football governing body Fifa’s hand in the forthcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) elections after the Zurich based-body opened disciplinary proceedings against associations in the region.
On February 15, Fifa sent a letter to all the 13 federations in the region informing them of disciplinary proceedings for allegedly taking part in the 2015 Senior Challenge Cup in Ethiopia without its authority and also without the permission of CAF.
The tournament is organised by the Council for East and Central Africa Football Association (Cecafa).
CAF incumbent Issa Hayatou will be defending his seat against Ahmad Ahmad from Madagascar in the elections set for March 12 in Ethiopia.
Cecafa region is seen to be leaning towards Hayatou while Fifa president Gianni Infantino is said to have a soft spot for Ahmad.
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Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed having received a letter from Fifa citing a violation of its statutes.
“Fifa’s Disciplinary Committee that is scheduled to meet on March 15, 2017 will analyse the matter with regard to a possible violation of regulations and decide on a possible imposition of sanctions against the Kenyan FA,” said a statement from the FKF.
The statement further added, that the current administration is committed to abide by all Fifa and CAF regulations in regard to planning and taking part in both local and/or international tournaments and/or matches.
“To this end, this administration since assuming office in February 2016 has always sought for clearance from both CAF and Fifa before any international undertaking and continues to do so in line with not only football best practices, but also in accordance with FIifa and CAF regulations.”
The federation has promised to work with Fifa and CAF on the case.
However, Fifa’s statement is curious considering that the Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye wrote to CAF on November 12 informing them about the tournament.
Musonye informs CAF in the letter written just weeks before the tournament kicked off that the notification had come late as they had challenges about getting a host and sponsors for the tournament.
In June last year, CAF also acknowledged in a letter to Fifa having received the notification from Cecafa.
CAF Secretary General Hicham El Amrani said normally the associations do not require specific permission from CAF as that is sought by Cecafa on their behalf.
“As part of our usual working relationship with our zonal unions, each zonal union does organise various competitions within their geographical areas which they inform us,” said Hicham.