FIFA has written to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) that football disputes must stay out of ordinary courts. In its letter dated 5 October 2026, the world governing body expresses its concern and asks for updates on ongoing cases.
FIFA has sent a letter to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to express its concern over legal proceedings relating to the organisation, administration and governance of football in Kenya, according to GhanaMMA. The letter, dated 5 October 2026, is signed by Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA’s director of member associations, and copied to CAF.
The world governing body reminds the Kenyan federation of the rules in force: disputes must be handled by independent arbitration tribunals recognised by the federation or CAF, or referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. FIFA warns that violations could lead to cases being referred to its competent bodies to consider appropriate measures. No immediate sanction has, however, been announced against Kenya or the FKF.
A letter citing two texts
The letter relies on two texts. Article 69 of the FKF Constitution provides that disputes be handled by independent arbitration tribunals recognised by the federation or CAF, or referred to the CAS in Lausanne. Article 51 of the FIFA Statutes prohibits recourse to ordinary courts for football matters, unless otherwise provided.
The reminder comes as the Kenyan federation is involved in legal proceedings relating to its governance. Copied to CAF, the letter also keeps the continental body informed of the situation.
Kariobangi Sharks and internal disagreements
A dispute also involves the club Kariobangi Sharks. It concerns the promotion and relegation rules in the Kenyan Premier League.
In addition, the federation is involved in legal proceedings relating to internal leadership disagreements.
The FKF must respond
FIFA has asked the FKF for updates on significant developments in the ongoing cases. It is now up to the federation to respond to the governing body’s concerns and provide it with that information.
No immediate sanction has been announced, but the threat of cases being referred to FIFA’s competent bodies remains, according to the letter.