FIFA Seeks Clarification Over Suspension of FKF President Hussein Mohammed
World football governing body FIFA has raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the suspension of Hussein Rashid Mohammed and other senior officials of the Football Kenya Federation.
Mohammed, alongside National Executive Committee (NEC) member Abdullahi Yusuf Ibrahim and Acting General Secretary Dennis Gicheru, was suspended on April 24, 2026.
In a letter addressed to FKF, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov said the global body, in coordination with Confederation of African Football, is assessing the matter to establish a clear and accurate understanding of the process and whether it complied with FKF statutes.
“In this context, we request the cooperation of the FKF National Executive Committee in providing information and documentation to verify whether the process leading to the provisional dismissal of the officials was conducted in accordance with FKF Statutes,” the letter stated.
FIFA is seeking clarification on how the NEC meeting that adopted the resolution was convened, whether quorum and voting requirements were met, and whether the affected officials were granted their right to be heard prior to the decision, as required under the statutes.
The organisation has also requested detailed documentation, including notices of the meeting, agenda, attendance records, voting results, and any materials relied upon in reaching the decision. Additionally, FIFA wants confirmation that the suspended officials were given an opportunity to defend themselves before the resolution was passed.
Mammadov noted that the matter is being treated with seriousness, with CAF independently reviewing the underlying circumstances.
Meanwhile, former international MacDonald Mariga assumed the role of Acting FKF President following the suspension.
In a statement issued on April 25, Mariga said multiple agencies—including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Insurance Regulatory Authority and Public Procurement Regulatory Authority—alongside CAF and FIFA, had launched investigations.
“To ensure continuity of operations, the National Executive Committee mandated me to take up the role of Acting President, which I have accepted with immediate effect,” he said.
He added that measures had been put in place to safeguard the integrity of the process, including preservation of evidence, freezing of relevant accounts and review of existing contracts.
In a separate statement, Mohammed defended his tenure, highlighting achievements made during his 15 months in office and dismissing allegations linked to insurance arrangements for the 2025 African Nations Championship.
He cited improved governance, successful hosting of international tournaments, and renewed confidence from global football bodies as key milestones. These include Kenya’s hosting of CHAN 2025 and the FIFA Women’s Series, as well as the qualification of the Harambee Starlets for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Mohammed also noted that FIFA had lifted earlier restrictions imposed on Kenya following financial reforms, paving the way for expanded development programmes, including the construction of FIFA Arena pitches and a technical centre in Machakos.
Addressing claims over insurance procurement for CHAN 2025, he termed them “malicious” and “unfounded,” insisting the cover was arranged by CAF.
“The required insurance cover for CHAN 2025 was procured by CAF and maintained throughout the tournament. FKF did not transfer any funds to insurance providers,” he said.
He maintained there was no loss of funds and linked the allegations to what he described as a smear campaign against the federation’s reform agenda.
Kenya is currently preparing, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressing confidence in the region’s readiness.