By GPC Sports Correspondent
Parliament has been asked to push for the formation of a FIFA-sanctioned Normalisation Committee to address the deepening governance crisis at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
The crisis has delayed the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Also Read
Kiminini MP Kaikai Bissau raised the matter in the National Assembly on Tuesday, asking the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture to investigate the leadership, financial and regulatory disputes that have disrupted FKF operations.
Bissau said the impasse was also affecting clubs, players and the national team, with club owners continuing to incur costs while waiting for a definite date for the league’s commencement.
“The Football Kenya Federation is mandated to manage, promote and develop football in Kenya. However, reported disputes relating to leadership, budgets, governance and league regulations have disrupted its operations,” Bissau told the House.
He said the uncertainty was also raising concerns over the welfare of Harambee Stars players, including reports of unpaid allowances, as well as unresolved work permits for head coach Benni McCarthy and members of his technical staff.
“The situation risks undermining players’ welfare and morale, disrupting football development and affecting the country’s preparations for the upcoming international competitions,” he said.
Bissau, who is patron of community club Bazoo Boys, said the delayed league had placed a financial burden on clubs, which continue to meet player salaries, upkeep and preparation costs without knowing when competitive football will resume.
“The cost of players’ upkeep, salaries, preparedness and preparation of the league continues to be incurred without definite league commencement date,” he said.
Governance Issues
The MP acknowledged FIFA’s rules prohibiting government interference in the running of member federations but argued that the international football governing body provides for a Normalisation Committee as a mechanism for resolving serious governance problems.
“While government interference is prohibited, a NORMALISATION COMMITTEE can be formed to address the current and destructive tendencies,” Bissau said.
He asked the departmental committee to establish the nature and cost of the disputes within FKF and the measures being taken to resolve them. He also wants the committee to establish the status of domestic leagues and provide timelines for their commencement.
The MP further requested details on outstanding payments owed to Harambee Stars players, the reasons for the delays and proposed settlement timelines, as well as the status of work permits for McCarthy and his technical staff.
He also wants Parliament to establish what measures are being taken to protect Kenya’s readiness to co-host and compete in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, including consideration of a Normalisation Committee.
The call comes amid months of internal divisions within FKF, court cases involving promotion and relegation, and public disputes over leadership and finances that have contributed to repeated delays to the Premier League.
Player welfare concerns, including delayed allowances and the coach’s work-permit status, also emerged publicly during national-team camps in September.
Bissau praised President William Ruto’s efforts to promote sports through infrastructure development and fundraising, citing projects such as the Raila Odinga Stadium. He, however, said unresolved federation disputes could undermine the gains being made in sports infrastructure.
The Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture is expected to respond to Bissau’s request in due course.
