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| KENYA: no likelihood of change about suspension |
Two weeks ago Kenya had serious hope that FIFA will lift the suspension of Kenya from international football, after conciliatory talks took place between the Kenyan Football Federation (KFF) and the contry's Sports Minister Maina KAMANDA.
Besides two officials of the Confederation of African Football, Amos ADAMU from Nigeria and Celestine MUSABYIMANA from Rwanda travelled to Kenya with the aim of ending the impasse between the KFF and the government. They told BBC Sport that they informed Kenyan authorities that three things have to be done before FIFA can can be even considered to be lifted; first of all matters in court in Kenya between the different opponents within the KFF should be withdrawn; on this very point Alfred SAMBU who took the KKF to court after he was ousted as chairman has verbally promised to withdraw his legal proceedings. Secondly the two CAF's officials asked both the KFF and the government to accept and implement the 28-points agreement reached in Cairo in January 2006, and this is very important. Thirdly they informed their interlocutors that everybody should now follow regulations and instructions from FIFA.
KKF interim boss Mohammed HATIMY told BBC Sport that everything in the Cairo agreement is being implemented so he appeals to FIFA to lift the ban on Kenya so that the KFF will prepare Kenya national team for the clash due to oppose Kenya to Swaziland in March 24 to qualify for the 2008 African Cup of Nations. But to return to the international game the KFF must convene a special general meeting to elect new officials. Amos ADAMU said FIFA will be sending officials to supervise the meeting, the date of which is yet to be announced. That meeting will also decide the number of clubs to compete in the national premier league championship and put an end to present situation with two parallel leagues running the country, with each claiming to be the legitimate one.
Unfortunately for Kenya FIFA stated a few days ago that a commitment from the KKF has not been received, and it ordered the Kenyan government to commit to a full implementation of its statutes by February 28, which means that the suspension of Kenya from internation al football will continue for a forseeable future "without a likelihood of change." CAF advised Kenyan authorities to comply with FIFA's demands;
Samuel MBAJUM
07/03/2007 |
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