Term extension plans to highlight fifth FKF AGM

Adoption of Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) new constitution stands out as the highlight of the national body’s fifth Annual General Meeting set for Saturday in Mombasa.

A contentious item in the draft constitution is extension of term limit for the federation top officials from the current two of four years as stipulated in the Sports Act.

Listed as agenda 14(1), the new FKF rule book in article 36 (e) states that the term of office of the president and the NEC members is for four years.

“They may be re-elected for a further two (2) terms of office provided a member contesting for any position other than the one previously held, shall be eligible to contest for that position as it shall count for a new term of office in its own right,” reads part of the draft.

Thus, if passed through a popular vote by at least 50 percent of the 77 delegates, the current regime and the future ones could reign in office for a maximum of 12 years.

President Nick Mwendwa is on record defending the proposed change, despite contradicting the Sports Act.

The local FA boss submits the amendment will align FKF’s constitution with those of Confederation of African Football (CAF) world football governing body FIFA, which gives their respective presidents and executive councils such terms with similar durations.

However, another football management court battle could be emerge from the development, as critics of the current regime already showing dissatisfaction with the amendment.

“The ground to challenge the amendment is very simple, it contravenes the Sports Act. The argument of aligning the constitution with the CAF and FIFA one is neither here nor there, because no federation has been forced into that.

“It is a move inspired by selfish interests, the old African narrative of clinging on to power,” a stakeholder who sought anonymity opined.

The new constitution also seeks to rubber stamp football academic centers of excellence as affiliate clubs of the federation.

Another interesting element in the draft is all National Super League (NSL) clubs will be required to sign a minimum of five players eligible for the national under-20 team, with at least one of the players featuring in every match.

It will be mandatory the National Division One clubs to sign eight such players and field at least two in every league match. Failure to adhere to the rule set to take effect at the commencement of the 2018 season will see the club in question forfeit the days’ points.

Meanwhile, some of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) club chairmen are set to miss the important meeting, owing to season finale fixtures on the same date.