FIFA invites Kenya officials for talks
Jun 17, 2004
ZURICH - FIFA will hold discussions with representatives of Kenyan football next month to try to resolve the crisis which led to soccer’s governing body slapping an indefinite suspension on the country.
ZURICH - FIFA will hold discussions with representatives of Kenyan football next month to try to resolve the crisis which led to soccer’s governing body slapping an indefinite suspension on the country.
The ban was brought in after FIFA became unhappy with what it saw as Kenyan government interference in the affairs of the Kenyan Football Federation (KFF).
The suspension prevents the national team and club sides from taking part in international tournaments and has affected Kenya’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
Kenyan sports minister Najib Balala and International Olympic Committee member Kipchoge Keino have been invited to the meeting in Zurich on July 9 along with KFF president Maina Kariuki.
“It is our duty to reach out and take the important first step of inviting those who represent global, national, regional and club football interests in Kenya to all sit together at one table,†said FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
“It is our sincere hope that an open and honest dialogue will bring about solutions — to the satisfaction of all parties involved — to the complex problems facing football in Kenya today,†he added.
General-secretary of the African Football Confederation Mustapha Fahmy and Bob Munro, chairman of Mathare United, a club from the breakaway Kenyan football league, are also expected to attend.
The ban was brought in after FIFA became unhappy with what it saw as Kenyan government interference in the affairs of the Kenyan Football Federation (KFF).
The suspension prevents the national team and club sides from taking part in international tournaments and has affected Kenya’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
Kenyan sports minister Najib Balala and International Olympic Committee member Kipchoge Keino have been invited to the meeting in Zurich on July 9 along with KFF president Maina Kariuki.
“It is our duty to reach out and take the important first step of inviting those who represent global, national, regional and club football interests in Kenya to all sit together at one table,†said FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
“It is our sincere hope that an open and honest dialogue will bring about solutions — to the satisfaction of all parties involved — to the complex problems facing football in Kenya today,†he added.
General-secretary of the African Football Confederation Mustapha Fahmy and Bob Munro, chairman of Mathare United, a club from the breakaway Kenyan football league, are also expected to attend.