FKF probes very serious Muthomi-Avire saga

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO Robert Muthomi has termed allegations levelled against him as ‘very serious’ in the bizarre transfer saga involving Kenyan international John Avire.

Muthomi has been accused by Sofapaka FC of an extra-ordinary attempt to persuade Avire to terminate his contract with the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) club in order to pursue a move to Egypt as a free agent.

In a letter carrying the official FKF stamps and dated July 12, Muthomi wrote to the Egyptian embassy in Nairobi, asking that Avire be granted visa to allow him travel to Cairo to watch the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a fan.

It sparked suspicion the FKF boss was using his influence at the country’s top football office to choreograph a transfer for Avire who had only notified Sofapaka that he was terminating his contract over a three-month unpaid salary arrears.

“There is going to be an internal probe on this matter and am not at liberty to comment on it much because these are very serious allegations that needs an investigation to be done,” Muthomi told Citizen Digital moments after FKF announced it had began probing the matter.

In a statement sent to newsrooms on Thursday, FKF said it had ‘launched internal investigations to look into the same, with a view of ensuring there is justice and fairness for all.’

Running Contract 

“We wish to state that we have received a complaint from Sofapaka FC, in regard to striker John Avire’s intended move to an undisclosed club in Egypt, despite having a running contract with the Kenyan Premier League club.

“Further, we have also noted with great concern, allegations therein touching on the office of the FKF CEO Mr. Robert Muthomi, in regard to the purported move….Any person found culpable will be held responsible, in accordance with the FKF disciplinary code,” an excerpt from the statement reads.

FKF insisted Avire, who made two appearances for the Harambee Stars at AFCON, is still “a Sofapaka FC player with a valid contract running till December 31, 2020.”

“Additionally, any transfer of and/or by the player will be contrary to both the FIFA and FKF Statutes, as the player has both not been issued with an ITC by the federation and/or released by the club, as is required by law.

“FKF remains impartial in this sensitive matter and is according it the seriousness that it deserves.”

Avire joined Sofapaka from Mount Kenya United and enjoyed a solid season, scoring seven league goals for the Batoto ba Mungu with his blistering turn of pace and good finishing earning him a place in the Harambee Stars AFCON squad.