FKF President calls for legislation to tackle match-fixing in Kenyan football
According to Hussein, the Federation’s efforts to combat match-fixing are limited by a lack of legal support.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has called for the urgent need to address match-fixing, urging the creation of legislation to tackle this escalating problem.
According to Hussein, the Federation’s efforts to combat match-fixing are limited by a lack of legal support, stressing the importance of criminalising the practice to preserve the integrity of the sport.
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“Our hands are tied when it comes to match-fixing. We need laws that criminalize this practice,” Hussein said.
“Match-fixing is a cancer in football, and we must act decisively to protect the integrity of the game.”
Hussein made the call while delivering a comprehensive status report to the Parliamentary Sports Committee, chaired by Webuye West MP Daniel Wanyama.
He was accompanied by Vice President McDonald Mariga, General Secretary/CEO Harold Ndege, and other key officials.
The report outlined the Federation’s achievements since the current administration took office and provided insights into the strategic plans for advancing Kenyan football.
“Football in Kenya has gone through various phases. Despite the challenges over the years, football remains the most popular sport in the country. This administration is committed to ensuring we elevate our football to new heights,” he said.
He acknowledged the obstacles faced but emphasised the opportunities ahead for the sport.
The FKF President also highlighted the progress of women’s football in Kenya, noting that the women’s teams have shown considerable promise.
“Our women’s football is actually performing better than the men’s teams at the moment,” he said.
“Kenya’s under-17 women’s team recently defeated Morocco 2-0, and we are on the brink of World Cup qualification. We are investing heavily in women’s football, and we intend to do more.”
Infrastructure
In terms of infrastructure, Mohammed stressed the need for adequate facilities to grow and commercialise football in Kenya.
“Without the right infrastructure, we cannot fully commercialise the sport. We need to build facilities across the country, from grassroots levels to national stadiums, to develop a competitive and marketable league,” he said.
Addressing the structure of the football leagues, the FKF President stated that the Federation is working on restructuring the league system to make it more competitive and marketable.
“We currently have seven tiers in the league structure, and we are looking at making this system more appealing for fans and sponsors alike,” he said.
A key part of FKF’s strategy involves focusing on youth development and strengthening the country’s technical capacity.
“We are investing in youth football, particularly in schools and academies, and we are developing a scouting program to ensure we find the best talent at the grassroots level,” Hussein said.
The FKF President also highlighted the critical issue of funding, emphasising the need for more financial support from the government.
“Football is the most popular sport in the country, yet the funding we receive is not enough,” he said.
“We need more financial support to bridge the funding gaps and ensure the continued development of the sport.”
He also addressed the issue of player remuneration, noting that allowances for national team players are still insufficient.
“The remuneration for our players is far below expectations. We need to increase allowances and incentivize players and the technical staff,” he said.
Further, Mohammed called for a review of Kenya’s sports laws to attract more private sector investment.
“We have had interest from international investors in European and American markets, but our current sports laws are not conducive to attracting such investment,” he said.
Hussein also urged for greater collaboration with Parliament and other stakeholders to strengthen football’s infrastructure, emphasising that better facilities are crucial to the sport’s commercialization.
“Without the requisite infrastructure, we cannot truly commercialize football like it has been done in other parts of the world,” he said.
He further appealed to Parliament to support the Federation’s efforts to overhaul Kenyan football.
“Your role is crucial in cleaning up the past, securing the present, and laying the groundwork for the future of football in Kenya. Together, with the support of all stakeholders, we can achieve the success that Kenyan football deserves,” he said.
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