FIFA Rejects Suspension of FKF President Hussein Mohamed, Declares Process Unconstitutional

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has rejected the suspension of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohamed and other members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), ruling that the process used to remove them did not comply with the FKF Constitution.

In a letter dated May 25, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov wrote directly to the FKF NEC, making the world football governing body’s position clear.

FIFA stated that the suspension process failed to comply with Article 41 of the FKF Constitution, which outlines the procedures for the provisional suspension or dismissal of officials.

As a result, FIFA declared the suspensions of Mohamed, Acting Secretary General Dennis Gicheru, and nominated NEC member Abdulahi Yusuf Ibrahim unconstitutional.

“Having carefully considered the information, documentation and explanations submitted, we deem it necessary to recall the relevant provisions of the FKF Constitution governing such situations,” FIFA stated.

“FIFA therefore categorically rejects the procedure that has been followed in this matter.”

Under Article 41, any suspension must be properly proposed, included on the agenda, communicated to NEC members, supported by quorum and voting requirements, and allow the affected official an opportunity to be heard.

FIFA said the documentation it reviewed showed that these procedural requirements were not fully met before the vote leading to the suspensions was taken.

The global football body also clarified that directing an official to “step aside” in a mandatory manner constitutes a provisional suspension under FKF rules, and must therefore follow due constitutional process.

“Actions taken outside the clearly defined statutory framework cannot produce valid legal effects within the association,” FIFA warned.

FIFA further put FKF NEC members on notice, cautioning that any actions taken in violation of the FKF Constitution could attract disciplinary consequences through the federation’s judicial mechanisms.

The world governing body urged FKF officials to exercise restraint, responsibility, and strict adherence to constitutional procedures, citing concerns over institutional stability within Kenyan football.

The letter comes in response to a leadership standoff that erupted in April when a majority faction within the NEC voted to suspend Mohamed over allegations of financial misconduct.

On April 24, nine out of 14 NEC members voted to remove him, accusing him of involvement in the alleged misappropriation of a KSh42.4 million insurance tender linked to the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya co-hosted with Uganda and Tanzania.

The NEC had alleged that the contract was awarded to a company that was unlicensed, unvetted, and non-compliant with tax obligations, despite the availability of better bids.

In response, FKF acknowledged receipt of FIFA’s communication, saying it has taken note of the emphasis on institutional stability, due process, and adherence to constitutional frameworks.

“The federation also welcomes FIFA’s guidance and commits to safeguarding the stability, credibility, and proper functioning of Kenyan football, particularly during this important period for the game both locally and internationally,” FKF said in a statement on May 26.

FKF further stated that it will cooperate with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ensure continuity of football activities and programmes in the country.