Football Kenya Federation fined for breach of rules

The Sport Disputes Tribunal on Tuesday fined Football Kenya Federation Sh500,000 for failing to comply with the Sports Act.

The tribunal also directed the federation to institute the process of complying with the Sports Act by April 19.

While making the ruling in Nairobi on Tuesday, the tribunal’s chairman, John Ohaga, said: “...the tribunal cannot and will not countenance continued and blatant breach of the provisions of the Sports Act by bodies such as the federation.

“While the tribunal may not have the requisite jurisdiction to punish for contempt, the tribunal can and does take cognisance of the fact that the federation in continuing to run the sport of football was acting as a sports organisation without having taken the requisite steps to register under the Act.”

FURTHER DIRECTIONS

The tribunal also directed all the respondents to pay the cost incurred by of each of the petitioners/appellants in the matter.

The case had been lodged at the tribunal by Noordin Taib Koor, who described himself in the court papers as “a member of the footballing community, a football enthusiast, long-time coach and as one representing Kibra United”.

Benson Julius Iganji who is chairman of Lucky Sumer FC and former vice-chairman of FKF Sam Sholei were also enjoined in the matter as interested parties.

Reacting to the ruling, FKF lawyer Ken Ochieng said: “We are happy with the ruling. The tribunal made the right decision and the challenge is on our part to comply.”

To comply with the Sports Act, the Sports Register requires FKF’s president, CEO and treasurer to produce certificate of good conduct.

The three must also get clearance from the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Higher Education Loans Board and the Credit Revenue Bureau.