Football is the most popular sport across Africa, and Kenya is obsessed with the beautiful game. The sport is played widely at amateur and school level, and fans are passionate about domestic fixtures, international tournaments, and the big leagues of Europe. But even with continued enthusiasm among supporters, Kenyan football is in full crisis mode. This is due to a failed campaign to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and, more worryingly, a suspension from FIFA over government interference in the administration of football in the country. So, where does Kenyan football go from here? Let’s take a look at the state of affairs, and the bumpy road ahead.
World Cup 2022 disappointment
Kenya failed to qualify from Group E in the qualifiers. Their third-place finish – a distant ten points off table-toppers Mali – saw their dream of reaching the World Cup for the first time in tatters. The campaign lost momentum after a 5-0 thrashing in Mali, and although they managed to win their final match against Rwanda, it was too little too late, and the victory was overshadowed by the scandal engulfing Kenyan football. While Kenya wasn’t expected to qualify, a meagre six points at the end of the qualifying stage will be disappointing, an all too familiar experience, for the team, coaches and supporters.
FIFA suspension – what happened?
The controversy started when the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), was dissolved and replaced by a “caretaker” authority in the shape of the Ministry of Sport. FKF officials were soon locked out of their offices as the committee took over the running of Kenyan football, and Nick Mwendwa, president of the FKF, stepped aside at the end of the month.
Mwendwa was arrested two days later, charged with multiple counts of fraud, which he denies. FIFA took action after Sports Minister Amina Mohamed set up the caretaker committee in November, citing government interference. A parallel situation is in progress in Zimbabwe, with the governmental Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) taking control. Although Zimbabwe was allowed to participate in the African Cup of Nations, they have since been suspended.
What happens next?
Kenya is currently banned from all world football – it cannot take part in any international competition or friendly matches. FIFA has stated that they will lift the ban when Amina Mohamed passes control of the FKF offices back, and for Doris Petra, Mwendwa’s vice president to head up the organization. FIFA also declared that they will investigate the claims of fraud and corruption that led to the usurping in the first place.
What does this mean for football in Kenya?
As well as the ban on international fixtures, the winner of the FKF Premier League will not be recognised – a major blow to the domestic competition. Adding to the woe, the Kenyan Women’s team were forced to withdraw from their Women’s Nations Cup qualifying tie against Uganda. There isn’t really an obvious bright side at the moment. Once the current situation gets ironed out – it is likely that Mohamed will comply with FIFA’s demands – and Kenya are allowed to compete at the world level again, there will be a bumpy road ahead, rebuilding trust in the FKF and stamping out corruption.
What about the fans?
Of the many features written about the messy situation, most have overlooked the effect on supporters of the game within Kenya. Of course, they will be disappointed about the outcome of the World Cup qualifiers, and worried by the suspension. But Kenyan football fans watch a lot of football from around the world, particularly the English Premier League, and the World Cup is coming up.
That means a lot of action, and opportunities to place bets. Sports betting is big in Kenya, as it is around the world, and there are plenty of bookmaker sites where bettors can find great odds and options. Bet365 Kenya is one such website where players can claim a generous bonus when they set up an account. Whether they place bets or not, the mess at the top of Kenyan football isn’t going to dampen the enthusiasm for the sport in the country.
Kenyan football, or at least the powers that run it, is under a cloud of controversy, and is having its name dragged through the mud. But the passion for the game runs deep among the population, and the fans will be looking forward to better times.
