FIFA has issued a stern warning to Kenya concerning the postponement of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Annual General Meeting.
FKF was scheduled to hold their AGM on March 16 but sports journalist Milton Nyakundi moved to a Mombasa High Court a day before the exercise where he successfully obtained an order stopping the same citing the legality of the federation to convene the meeting.
The hearing of the case which was certified as urgent by Lady Justice Olga Sewe was set for March 18 with the ruling being awaited on April 4.
FIFA’s main point of contention revolves around Article 69 of the FKF Statutes, which clearly forbids internal disputes within the federation from being taken to regular courts unless FIFA regulations or mandatory legal provisions state otherwise.
FIFA through Chief Member of Associates Kenny Jean-Marie have consequently responded to the postponement of the AGM by warning FKF that any further delay in holding the meeting will trigger sanctions.
In a letter addressed to Barry Otieno, the General Secretary of FKF, FIFA expressed deep concern over the last-minute postponement of the General Meeting due to a court order issued just hours before its scheduled commencement.
”As a result, and irrespective of the outcome of the hearing to take place on April 4, FIFA takes the view that any further attempt by a third party to prevent the FKF Annual General Meeting from taking place might be considered a violation to the above-mentioned principle, which would oblige our institution to bring the matter to the attention of the relevant FIFA bodies for consideration of possible sanctions in line with the FIFA Statutes,” read the letter in part.
The sudden stoppage of the proceedings not only disrupted the FKF’s agenda but also caused inconvenience to delegates who had travelled from different regions of the country to participate in the important gathering.
This principle is in accordance with FIFA’s overarching position on the independence of football administration and the sole authority of its regulatory entities in resolving internal disagreements.
FIFA emphasises the seriousness of the matter by referring to potential penalties outlined in its regulations, which could involve suspending the FKF.
Such a suspension would result in significant ramifications, such as the forfeiture of membership privileges for both the FKF and its associated clubs, along with exclusion from international tournaments until the suspension is revoked.
The warning of suspension serves as a clear indication of the consequences of failing to adhere to FIFA’s instructions and regulations.
