FIFA Rejects Attempt to Remove FKF President Hussein Mohamed and Top Officials

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

Kenya, May 26, 2026 - FIFA has officially rejected attempts by a section of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) National Executive Committee (NEC) to force FKF President Hussein Mohamed, Acting CEO Dennis Gicheru, and NEC member Abdallah Yusuf to step aside, escalating one of the biggest governance disputes in recent Kenyan football history.

The world football governing body reportedly concluded that the process used by the NEC faction did not comply with the FKF Constitution and therefore could not be recognized. FIFA emphasized that any move to suspend or remove federation officials must strictly follow constitutional procedures, including proper voting processes, quorum requirements, and a fair opportunity for the affected individuals to defend themselves.

The controversy began after nine FKF NEC members announced resolutions seeking to suspend Hussein Mohamed, Dennis Gicheru, and Abdallah Yusuf over alleged financial irregularities linked to approximately KSh42 million involving CHAN 2024 insurance and procurement matters. The faction also attempted to hand over interim control of the federation to FKF Vice President MacDonald Mariga while pushing for forensic audits and operational changes.

However, the move immediately sparked legal and administrative resistance. Kenya’s Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) intervened and ordered the status quo to remain in place pending further review, arguing that abrupt leadership changes risked destabilizing Kenyan football at a critical time.

FIFA and CAF then stepped in to assess whether the NEC’s actions complied with both FKF statutes and international football governance standards. According to reports, FIFA requested documentation including meeting minutes, voting records, evidence of quorum, and confirmation that the affected officials had been granted a fair hearing.

After reviewing the matter, FIFA reportedly determined that the constitutional process had not been properly followed. The organization further warned that NEC members who acted outside the federation’s constitution could themselves face disciplinary consequences.

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The decision is a major boost for Hussein Mohamed’s administration, which has maintained that the attempted suspensions were politically motivated and designed to undermine ongoing reform efforts within FKF. Mohamed had strongly denied the allegations against him and accused certain individuals within the federation of trying to create instability.

The situation has raised wider concerns about governance and leadership struggles within Kenyan football, especially with Kenya preparing to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania. Another major governance crisis could damage Kenya’s football image internationally and complicate preparations for the continental tournament.

FIFA has historically taken a firm stance against irregular leadership changes and political interference in football administration. Kenya itself experienced suspension from FIFA in 2022 following disputes involving government intervention in football management.

With FIFA now rejecting the NEC faction’s actions, Hussein Mohamed remains the officially recognized FKF president, Dennis Gicheru continues serving as acting CEO, and Abdallah Yusuf retains his NEC position.

The focus now shifts toward restoring stability inside FKF, addressing the governance concerns that triggered the dispute, and ensuring that future disagreements are handled strictly within constitutional and legal frameworks.