NAIROBI, Kenya, September 11 – World Football governing body Fifa has slapped a Sh465,000 fine on Kenya for the improper conduct of fans during the 2014 World Cup Group F qualifier return leg match against Nigeria in Nairobi on June 5.
In a letter to Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Fifa stated that the federation was liable for the improper conduct of its supporters which is a violation of Article 67 part 1 and 3 of the Disciplinary Code.
The committee was composed of Chairman Claudio Susler of Switzerland members- Mike Edwards (USA), Hamid Haddadi (Algeria) and Syed Haider (Pakistan).
Fans threw plastic water bottles and other objects into the pitch during the match at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani which the Super eagles won 1-0.
The decision taken by the Disciplinary Committee saw the world football governors order Kenya to pay the costs and expenses of the proceedings amounting of receipt of notification Sh 930,000.
“Football Kenya Federation is ordered to pay a fine in the amount of CHF 5000 (Sh 465,000) in accordance with Articled 67 part 1 and Article 15 of the FDC.
“The fine shall be paid within 30days of the notification of this decision,’’ FIFA said in a letter signed by the Deputy Secretary to the Disciplinary Committee, Octavian Bivolaru.
Fifa also warned Kenya on it’s future conduct according to Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. “Any further infringement of Article of the FIFA Disciplinary Code will lead to more severe sanctions to be determined by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.”
Following the decision, FKF and NEC member Technical and Training Committee chairman Elly Mukolwe, said the federation would not have suffered such a stiff punishment had Harambee Stars supporters behaved appropriately.
“This is why we are always appealing to football fans at all levels to always adhere strictly to Fifa rules. The throwing of objects in the pitch during a football match is strictly forbidden’’, he said.
Mukolwe, also the FKF International Match Organizing Committee chairman, recalled that Fifa slapped a Sh1.2 million fine on Kenya early last year during the World Cup qualifier preliminary round match between Kenya and Seychelles in Nairobi.
“We were punished because fans at the Nyayo National Stadium crossed from the terraces to main stand when it started drizzling, the movement was also a breach of FIFA rules,’’ added Mukolwe.
Kenya’s harambee Stars finished third in their Group F 2014 World Cup qualifiers with 6 points as African Champions Nigeria finished first in this pool with 12 points to book a slot for the two legged play offs set to be played in October and November.
-SuperSport.com
