Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed that FIFA has lifted the financial sanction that had resulted in the suspension of development funding under the FIFA Forward Programme.
In a statement on Monday, December 15, FKF said the decision follows a positive review by FIFA’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee (GACC) after assessing FKF’s progress following a central audit review.
However, according to the federation, it will remain under a monthly reporting framework until at least March 2026.
FKF said the decision was communicated through a formal letter from FIFA dated Monday, December 15, after the GACC reviewed the federation’s compliance status at its meeting held Monday, December 8.
"The FIFA administration would like to thank you for your cooperation during the concluded 2024 central audit review process. Pursuant to article 15 of the FIFA Forward Development Programme Regulations, the FIFA Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee (GACC) assessed the progress made by your Member Association since the last year and the reported results of your Member Association (MA) at its most recent meeting of December 8, 2025," FIFA said in a letter to FKF.
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FIFA noted that FKF had taken positive steps in implementing the agreed action plan and recorded improved audit results, which informed the committee’s decision.
"In light of the positive steps made by the Football Kenya Federation regarding the implementation of the action plan and the improved results of the 2024 central audit review, we hereby confirm that your case was positively reviewed by the GACC during their meeting," FIFA added.
Following the new development, FIFA confirmed that development funding would now resume, while stressing the need for continued reforms and close monitoring of fund usage.
"The Governance Audit and Compliance Committee has decided that the standard release of development funding under the Forward Programme is to be resumed with immediate effect. In light of this decision, FIFA strongly encourages you to continue to implement the requisite identified actions to improve the standards of financial management and governance within your association.
"In agreement with the GACC kindly bear in mind that the monthly reporting mechanism on the use of the FIFA FORWARD funds will remain at least until the next GACC meeting in March 2026," FIFA further said.
FKF President Hussein Mohammed welcomed the decision, terming it a major milestone in the federation’s reform agenda and efforts to restore confidence in Kenyan football.
"This decision by FIFA is a strong vote of confidence in the direction we are taking as a Federation. Step by step, we are fixing Kenyan football by strengthening governance, improving financial management, and restoring credibility at all levels," he said.
Mohammed said the outcome was the result of collective effort and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
"This outcome has been achieved through hard work, discipline, and collective responsibility by the FKF leadership and secretariat. We remain fully committed to meeting all FIFA requirements and ensuring that these resources are used transparently and solely for the development of football in Kenya," he added.
FIFA further assured FKF of continued support as it implements reforms in governance and financial management.
"The FIFA Member Associations Division remain at your disposal should you have any queries or feedback on the above. Furthermore, should you require any support in the continued process of implementing reform and changes in the area of financial management and governance, the MA Services - Financial Governance Team is at hand to provide this support," FIFA said.
This comes months after FKF rebranded to SportPesa League.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, September 16, during an unveiling ceremony attended by SportPesa CEO, Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, and Mohammed.
The rebrand includes a new logo featuring a football alongside the inscription "SportPesa League".
The rebranding came months after FKF secured a multi-year sponsorship deal with SportPesa.
In a statement on Thursday, July 31, FKF announced that it has entered a 10-year partnership that will see SportPesa become the official title sponsor of the FKF Premier League.
The landmark deal, which is valued at Ksh1.12 billion, will commence with an initial investment of Ksh85 million for the 2025/26 season.
"We are proud to announce gaming firm SportPesa as the official sponsor of the FKF Premier League, starting from the 2025/26 season. The glory days are back!" FKF announced.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Mohammed described the partnership as a major step for the sport in the country.
"A transformative chapter begins for Kenyan football. We extend our gratitude to SportPesa for their belief in our vision through this partnership. After enduring challenges in attracting private sector backing, SportPesa’s renewed faith signals a turning point for Kenyan football’s future.
“Football Kenya Federation sees this partnership as a crucial advancement in attracting more collaborations. We are resolutely committed to upholding the confidence you’ve placed within our hands as we look forward towards a long-lasting partnership," he said.
