Football Kenya Federation’s Suspension by FIFA Lifted After Close to a Year Out

• FIFA has announced that Kenya's indefinite suspension has been lifted with immediate effect
• The country was out in the cold since Amina Mohamed ejected the Nick Mwendwa-led body
• This was interpreted as a breach of FIFA guidelines which prohibit third-party interference

FIFA has officially lifted the suspension of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), which has been in place since February this year.

In a letter addressed to FKF's Secretary General Barry Otieno, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura expressed satisfaction that the impasse between the government and the FKF has since been resolved.

The suspension has been lifted immediately, making Kenya eligible again to participate in international FIFA competitions.

The world football governing body had taken the drastic step after former Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed removed FKF President Nick Mwendwa from office, citing graft allegations.

Ghana legend Sulley Muntari finally meets Moses Parker 8 years after brawl during 2014 World Cup

Football

She thereafter formed a series of committees to oversee the daily running of football in the country.

Namwamba meets with FIFA's Infantino

New Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba reinstated the FKF immediately after his appointment. He then met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino last week in Qatar, to follow up on the progress of overturning the ban.

Sports Brief reported that Namwamba shared photos of his meeting with the head honcho, as the country awaited further directions on the ban placed by the world governing body.

Since taking office, Ababu has constantly reiterated that he will ensure Kenya returns to good books with FIFA.

The CS has since reinstated the ousted FKF team, but Mwendwa remains out of office until the court clears him. The federation is currently under the stewardship of Vice President Doris Petra.

FIFA has since communicated that they will dispatch a team to Nairobi to discuss further issues between the FKF and Namwamba.

Qatar 2022: Cameroon boss Rigobert Song insists 'rankings don't matter' ahead of Switzerland clash

Football

The effects of the ban

The suspension saw Kenya miss out on AFCON 2023 qualifiers, while Harambee Starlets missed the Africa Women's Cup of Nations this year - which had a potential qualifying berth for the Women's World Cup next year.

Additionally, Kenyan champions Tusker were locked out of the inter-club competitions, while Kenyan referees missed the chance to officiate at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

Kenya aims to undo ban

Sports Brief previously reported on Kenya officially beginning the process of having its FIFA-imposed ban undone.

New Sports CS Namwamba had expressed his positive outlook that the African country would soon be back on the global map.

"On my day 1 in office today I engaged FIFA on the phone to commence the process of resolving the impasse that has seen Kenya banned by the world football governing body..." he tweeted.