FIFA lifts ban on Kenya’s national body

FIFA has lifted a ban on Kenya’s national football federation, following the government’s decision to reinstate the body after disbanding it over corruption allegations, the country’s sports minister said yesterday.

In February, football’s world governing body suspended the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), citing government interference after the authorities shut down the organisation last year over graft allegations.

Earlier this month, Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba announced that the federation would be reinstated but warned its former chief, who is facing corruption charges, against returning to the FKF until his case was concluded.

Yesterday, Namwamba told reporters in Nairobi that he had met with FIFA officials in Qatar to review Kenya’s suspension.

“I would like to express my delight for Kenya to return back to international football,” he said, announcing the lifting of the ban.

“I am happy that FIFA has made it clear that certain issues of integrity, accountability and good governance in football will be sorted out and investigations into judicial matters remain alive,” he added.