The world football governing body FIFA has lifted the suspension on development funding to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), allowing the resumption of financial support under the FIFA Forward Programme with immediate effect.
In a letter dated December 15, 2025, and addressed to FKF General Secretary Harold Ndege, FIFA confirmed that its Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee (GACC) had positively reviewed the federation’s case following the 2024 central audit review.
The global body said the decision followed an assessment of the federation’s progress at the GACC meeting held on December 8, 2025.
“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,” read part of the letter.
FIFA further noted that the decision was made “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.”
However, the world football governing body said oversight measures will remain in place. It indicated that FKF will continue operating under a monthly reporting mechanism on the use of FIFA Forward funds “at least until the next GACC meeting in March 2026,” while encouraging the federation to continue strengthening financial management and governance standards.
Football Kenya Federation responds
In response, FKF President Hussein Mohamed confirmed the development in an official statement on Monday, December 15, announcing that FIFA had lifted the financial sanction that had led to the suspension of development funding.
“FIFA has officially lifted the financial sanction that had resulted in the suspension of development funding under the FIFA Forward Programme,” he said, adding that the GACC had positively reviewed the federation’s progress following the audit process and approved the resumption of funding with immediate effect.
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Hussein acknowledged that, while development funding has now been reinstated, the federation will remain subject to monthly reporting requirements on the use of FIFA Forward funds until at least March 2026. The FKF President welcomed FIFA’s decision, terming it a key step in the federation’s reform efforts.
“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.”
Mohammed added that FKF remains committed to meeting all FIFA requirements and ensuring that the funds are used transparently for football development in the country.
According to the federation, the resumption of FIFA Forward funding will support programmes focused on grassroots football development, infrastructure, capacity building and the overall growth of the game across Kenya.
FKF reiterated its commitment to upholding governance, accountability and financial integrity as it continues to work with FIFA.
FIFA Forward Programme
The FIFA Forward Development Programme is designed to provide tailored financial and technical support to FIFA’s member associations and the six continental confederations, with the aim of strengthening football development worldwide.
Following the implementation of FIFA Forward 1.0 and 2.0, FIFA launched FIFA Forward 3.0 in January 2023, expanding funding levels and oversight mechanisms.
The programme focuses on increased investment in football development, improved achievement of development objectives, and continued monitoring to ensure responsible use of funds.
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The current four-year cycle running to the end of 2026 represents an increase of nearly 30 per cent in football development investment. Part of the investment is directed toward supporting FIFA’s objective of reaching 60 million female football players globally by the end of the cycle.
Under FIFA Forward 3.0, each member association is eligible to receive up to $5 million to cover operational football-related costs, as well as $3 million for the implementation of specific, long-term football development projects.
Associations identified as requiring additional support may access up to $1.2 million to cover travel, accommodation, and equipment costs for national teams.
At a regional level, each confederation is allocated $60 million to develop, promote, and organise football within its member associations. In comparison, zonal or regional associations can receive up to $5 million to manage men’s, women’s and youth competitions.
As part of the programme, FIFA and each participating member association enter into a contract outlining agreed development objectives. FIFA also provides non-financial support through digital tools, capacity-building initiatives and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Oversight and control mechanisms are embedded within FIFA Forward 3.0 to monitor fund utilisation and assess the impact and legacy of supported projects.
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