News

Did Fifa pay Amrouche Sh90m from FKF grant?

Monday, February 8th, 2021 23:16 | By
FKF deputy president Doris Petra speaks during the organisation’s AGM on Saturday. Photo/PD/DAVID NDOLO

Litigations have been blamed for depleted coffers at Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

FKF chief executive officer Barry Otieno hinted that a large chunk of the grants which they have been receiving from Fifa was used to offset debts, including that of former national football team Harambee Stars coach Adel Amrouche.

Speaking after the end of eighth FKF Annual General Meeting at Safari park Hotel on Saturday, Otieno cited the case of Amrouche whom Fifa awarded a total of Sh90 million for alleged wrongful dismissal by the federation during his tenure at Stars.

Apparently, the world governing body used the Covid-19 relief funds that were entitled to Kenya to settle the debt of Amrouche who had sought a petition from Fifa over the unpaid dues.

Otieno said it was in the best interests of both parties (Fifa and FKF) to off-set the debt and that the decision had the blessing of the National Executive Committee whose members passed it unanimously.

“Though the decision affected the federation’s financial situation, NEC consented to the decision ostensibly to end the impasse between Amrouche and the federation.

Remember, it was the same Fifa that had earlier awarded the tactician Sh20 million out of what we owed him and we had no choice but accept what transpired,” said Otieno.

He further added that given that FKF funds its elections, it was this reason coupled with the onset of the Covid-19 that the sub branch polls did not take place.

Before then, the federation says it had used a considerable amount of money from the Fifa grants in football-related activities in the country.

For instance, according to the federation’s annual reports and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019, FKF used a substantial amount of money directly towards the national men and women teams in international tournaments.

The AGM meeting was attended by 80 of the 86 delegates, among them representatives the 45 FKF branches as well as FKF Premier League, National Super League, Division One League clubs, FKF Women’s Premier League, and FKF Women’s Division One Clubs.

More on News


ADVERTISEMENT