Stakeholders oppose move to host World Cup qualifiers in Malawi – The Star Kenya

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• Kenya is set to take on Burundi in the first leg of the World Cup qualifiers on June 8 before clashing with Afcon champions Ivory Coast on June 11.
• Kenya Referees Association boss GMT Ottieno questioned the federation’s decision to move such a crucial match outside the Cecafa zone, suggesting alternative venues like Dar es Salaam, Kampala and Kigali.
A section of football stakeholders led by Extreme Sports CEO Hussein Mohammed has strongly opposed the decision to hold Kenya’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers outside the Cecafa zone.
Kenya is set to take on Burundi in the first leg of the World Cup qualifiers on June 8 before clashing with Afcon champions Cote d’Ivoire on June 11.
Cecafa (Council of East and Central Africa Football Association) comprises East and Central African nations including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Zanzibar, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi and Djibouti.
Earlier this week, the Football Kenya Federation announced that Kenya’s World Cup qualifier match against Burundi will be held in Lilongwe, Malawi, citing the unavailability of Fifa-approved stadia in the country.
Malawi are in the Council of South Africa Football Association (Cosafa) region in Southern Africa.
Kenya Referees Association boss GMT Ottieno questioned the federation’s decision to move such a crucial match outside the Cecafa zone, suggesting alternative venues like Dar es Salaam, Kampala and Kigali.
“Kenya is generally in the Cecafa zone. Why should we take our World Cup qualifier match outside our zone, to Cosafa? If there are no available stadia in the country there is the option of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Uganda or even Rwanda,” quipped Ottieno.
With Moi Stadium, Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium undergoing renovations for Afcon 2027, Ottieno is concerned that playing in Malawi will deny Stars the backing of their fans due to travel limitations.
“Hosting the match in Malawi will limit fan participation. This is a match that Harambee Stars need all the support they can get,” he stated.
Former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech lamented the unprecedented move, saying: “I’ve been in Harambee Stars for over 20 years and all our matches we played at home.”
Former international Bobby Ogolla added: “The match against Burundi should be played on the home soil but we are playing away. Such a scenario affects players’ mindset. It’s like playing an away match. The federation has seriously failed us.”
Meanwhile, Mohammed said failure to hold the FKF annual general meeting (AGM) is a crisis in the making, jeopardising Kenya’s football future.
A court order obtained by sports journalist Milton Nyakundi cancelled the March AGM, throwing the October elections into uncertainty.
In a letter to FKF Secretary General Barry Otieno, the World football governing body warned of suspending Kenya from all football activities due to this interference.
Mohammed warned of a constitutional crisis if the AGM and elections are not held as stipulated.
 “The term limit of the current office ends on September 18. With every passing day, the possibility of holding a free and fair election gets slim,” he said.
“A constitutional crisis looms should we fail to meet the critical milestones set in the FKF constitution on matters of governance and electioneering process.” 
It will jeopardise Kenya’s dream of co-hosting Afcon 2027.
 “Kenya alongside Uganda and Tanzania were awarded rites to host Afcon 2027, a unique opportunity to shine on the continental stage. However, this special opportunity is at great risk.”
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