Kenyan Football is Back: FIFA Lifts Ban

Kenyan football fans and industry stakeholders breathed a collective sigh of relief as world governing body FIFA officially lifted the months-long suspension of the country.

It means that Kenya will be able to compete in upcoming international qualifiers for AFCON and the FIFA World Cup. Kenyan clubs will also be represented in continental tournaments including the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup.

In addition, club-level transfers of Kenyan players will be much less complicated.

FIFA cited the restoration of the FKF Executive Committee and their return to Kandanda House as the circumstances that informed the move to lift the suspension. A delegation from FIFA and CAF is expected in the country to discuss next steps.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba had earlier announced a compromise that would see embattled FKF President Nick Mwendwa stay away from office until the legal case against him is concluded.

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The news from FIFA is welcome in a struggling sector, with clubs facing serious difficulties paying salaries and allowances following the general decline of the sport in the country. Multiple broadcasters and sponsors have walked away from the sport in the country over the past few years.

The poor state of sports facilities has also been in focus, with leaders including Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot calling for government funding to be committed. The Ruto-led administration is also said to be mulling a 2026 AFCON bid with East African neighbor countries, an effort that would require significant sports investment.

The delayed Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season kicked off earlier in November, offering some respite to fans starved for football action.

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