FKF turns to FIFA as hopes of KPL dialogue drift away

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa will seek the intervention of world governing body FIFA over the impasse that has seen the country’s top league suspended indefinitely.

In what was the latest stumbling block to an attempt to find common ground, a Joint Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday comprising FKF and Kenyan Premier League (KPL) failed to transpire, forcing a rescheduling to Friday.

Amid reports KPL could once again fail to show up for the meeting mediated by the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT), Mwendwa has revealed his intentions to use the last ammunition up his sleeves.

The FKF boss told members of the press gathered at the federation’s offices in Nairobi that he will meet FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Monday in Doha, Qatar where they are set to discuss the matter.

“We hope our brothers come tomorrow (Friday) so we conclude everything. We cannot continue living in the past. These wrangles started back in 2004 when I was almost a teenager and we have to move forward,” Mwendwa charged.

An apparent agreement had been reached over the 16 versus 18-team KPL composition before KPL appeared to turn to turn their backs on the deal that would see FKF contribute KSh38m to accommodate the extra two divisions.

As the fresh dispute ensued, FKF responded by suspending the top division indefinitely, issuing a stern warning to match officials and players against the consequences of any defiance.

Mwendwa also moved to open proceedings against KPL Chairman James Musyoki, Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier, KPL CEO Jack Oguda and founder Bob Munro after accusing them of scuttling the agreement to expand the league to 18 teams.

He also issued a directive inviting KPL to a JEC meeting at SDT’s offices in Nairobi. However, with Musyoki – also a JEC member – reportedly falling ill, the meeting was postponed to Friday.

Sources intimate to Citizen Digital indicate the four could be suspended for up to six years for ‘blatant defiance’ to the tribunal’s ruling with Mwendwa said to have already reached out to FIFA and got ‘a directive about the same’.

Meanwhile, former federation boss Sam Nyamweya called upon the two warring factions to embrace dialogue, insisting it was the best way to solve the standoff.

“I handed over leadership to my successors and I don’t want to involve myself in football again. However, as a stakeholder I advise them to consider working together on how to navigate the issue of relegation and promotion carefully.”