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The Nairobian

Coronavirus: FKF indefinitely suspends major sporting events countrywide

Football

By Ondeke Joshua | Mar 13, 2020

Chairman FKF Electoral Board Kentice Tikolo (left) and Barry Otieno CEO FKF during the unveiling of the reconstituted Electoral Board ahead of the upcoming elections set to be held before March 30in Nairobi on Monday, Feb 3, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has indefinitely suspended major football sporting activities countrywide due to the confirmation of the first coronavirous case in Kenya.

In a statement to newsrooms, FKF said: “Following the confirmation of the first Corona Virus (Covid-19) in Kenya, Football Kenya Federation has suspended FKF grassroots football competitions and women leagues including the Kenya Women Premier League, Women Division One League”.

Additionally, all FKF Branch Leagues, National Division One League, National Division Two League, FKF grass-root sanctioned tournaments and Academies competitions have also been suspended.

The countries football governing body, however, pointed out that this weekend’s Kenya Premier League (KPL), National Super League (NSL) and FKF cup will continue as planned but will be suspended from next week.

“All Kenyan Premier League, National Super League, and FKF Cup fixtures scheduled for this weekend will kick off as planned behind closed doors but will remain suspended indefinitely from Monday, March 16, 2020,” the statement read.

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FKF has also taken further action regarding Covid-19 guidelines by introducing accurate measures in the planned weekend fixtures.

As a precautionary measure, there will be no pre and post-match handshakes in the said fixtures and fans will not be allowed in and around the stadium.

“Further, FKF advises all clubs, both at the national and grass-root level to cancel and/or suspend non-essential activities that include but are not limited to open training sessions"

The federation said it is actively monitoring the development of the deadly virus in Kenya and beyond and continues to liaise with the Kenyan Government, CAF, and FIFA in the execution of both the domestic and international football matches.

“The aforementioned decision has been reached to safeguard the safety of all football players, technical staff, fans, and the general Kenyan public,” said FKF.

Kenya confirmed the first case of coronavirus today, with the Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe revealing the patient is a Kenyan who travelled from the United States via London.

World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 a global pandemic earlier this week, with the virus leading to the suspension of major sporting events around the world.

Kenyan football fans will now fill the effect following the suspension of major local league matches, with European competitions such as the Champions League, Europa League, and EPL games already suspended.