Fifa boss backs report, Wario meets officials

Fifa General Secretary, Jerome Valcke

Sports Minister Hassan Wario met Kenyan Premier League (KPL) officials on Thursday even as the world governing body Fifa defended a consultant who had been tasked to advice on the viability of an expanded league.

Thursday’s meeting was not, however, attended by FKF officials who were in Kakamega for yesterday’s Special General Meeting (SGM).

KCB chairman George Odhiambo, who was part of the meeting with Wario, said no decision was made as FKF were not represented.

“We just gave the minister the background information on the matter. We also told him we are yet to receive the Fifa report. No decision could be made without the other side,” he said.

Others who attended the meeting are KPL Chief Executive Jack Oguda, Mathare United chairman Bob Munro, Sofapaka chairman Elly Kalekwa, AFC Leopards chairman Allan Kasavuli and KPL chairman Ambrose Rachier.

Meanwhile, Fifa Secretary General Jerome Valcke has defended consultant Robert Niemann from allegations of being biased, saying, in their view, his report which called for the retention of 16 teams was fair and objective.

Valcke was defending Niemann, who has come under criticism from FKF for ‘venturing into areas that were not within his mandate’

“Fifa, in good faith, had initially made consultant available as requested by your own federation and Kenya Premier League. The consultant’s role, as agreed between and requested by your federation and KPL, was to compile a report and provide recommendations, which he has now completed,” noted the Fifa official.

Valcke said FKF and KPL must now find a local solution to the matter. He said the world governing body’s role ended as soon as they shared the report by their consultant Robert Niemann.

“Once FKF has confirmed that the report has been provided to all parties, including KPL, as agreed between all concerned parties, Fifa’s support in this process to find an amicable solution on whether the participants for the 2015 KPL season should be 16 or 18 clubs will have come to an end.

“This is particularly the case since after issuing the report, FKF’s position is now that a solution can be found locally. We wish you well in finding a local solution and look forward to hearing of good news as soon as possible,” he said.