FIFA has raised concern over the increasing number of football-related disputes being taken to ordinary courts in Kenya, warning Football Kenya Federation (FKF) of possible consequences if football autonomy principles are violated.

The world governing body maintains that disputes involving clubs, players, officials, elections, membership and competitions should primarily be resolved through established football dispute resolution mechanisms rather than ordinary courts.

Through its Chief Member Associations Officer, Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA sent a strongly worded warning to FKF, addressed to Acting General Secretary Dennis Gicheru, expressing concern over the growing number of court cases involving the federation, its members, officials and football activities.

Citing Article 69 of the FKF Constitution (2017 edition) and Article 51 of the FIFA Statutes, FIFA insists that such matters should be handled through independent arbitration bodies recognised by FKF or CAF, or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, unless specific legal provisions allow court intervention.

The warning comes amid growing turmoil in Kenyan football, characterized by mounting legal battles over promotion and relegation, persistent administrative disputes and deep divisions within the FKF NEC. The internal wrangles have paralysed the governing council, raising questions about its ability to discharge critical responsibilities, including approving budgets and making key administrative decisions.

The situation has been compounded by the failure to kick off lower-tier leagues, largely due to ongoing promotion and relegation disputes before the High Court. More recently, the FKF General Assembly escalated its standoff with President Hussein Mohammed by issuing him with a Summons to Show Cause and Notice of Proposed Disciplinary Action, outlining six charges of alleged gross misconduct, constitutional violations and governance failures.

FIFA also reminded FKF of its obligation to manage football affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties, citing Articles 14 and 19 of its statutes.

It cautioned that violations of these principles could be referred to its competent bodies for appropriate action under FIFA regulations.

While no sanctions have been announced, FIFA has asked FKF to strengthen its internal dispute resolution mechanisms and keep it updated on developments in the ongoing court cases.