FIFA Warns Kenya Over Football Disputes in Ordinary Courts

FIFA has warned the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) over the increasing number of football-related disputes being taken to ordinary courts, cautioning that continued breaches of its regulations could attract disciplinary action.

In a letter dated October 5, 2026, addressed to FKF Acting General Secretary Dennis Gicheru, FIFA expressed concern over court proceedings involving the organisation, administration and governance of football in Kenya.

The letter, signed by FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov and copied to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), reminded the federation of its obligation to resolve football-related disputes through recognised sporting mechanisms.

FIFA cited Article 69 of the FKF Constitution, which provides for disputes to be handled by independent arbitration tribunals recognised by the federation or CAF, or referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The global governing body also referred to Article 51 of the FIFA Statutes, which prohibits recourse to ordinary courts in football-related matters unless FIFA regulations or binding legal provisions specifically allow it.

FIFA warned that violations of these principles could lead to cases being referred to its competent bodies for consideration of appropriate measures. However, it did not announce any immediate sanctions against Kenya or the FKF.

The warning comes amid growing legal disputes surrounding football administration in the country, with several parties opting to challenge decisions made within the sport’s governing structures through the courts.

Among the cases highlighted is a dispute involving Kariobangi Sharks over promotion and relegation regulations in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League. The federation has also been involved in court proceedings linked to internal leadership disagreements.

FIFA has urged FKF to take necessary steps to ensure disputes are resolved through established channels and requested updates on significant developments in ongoing cases.

The warning places renewed focus on governance within Kenyan football, with the federation expected to address FIFA’s concerns while navigating the country’s legal framework.

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