Hussein: FKF yet to access FIFA Women’s Football Development funds

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed says the federation is yet to access the FIFA’s Women Football Development funds, more than a year into his tenure. The delay, he explained in an interview with Sporty Monday on Citizen TV, is due to missed timelines and internal administrative challenges.

Hussein attributed the holdup primarily to the federation’s failure to meet key FIFA requirements, notably the completion of a comprehensive strategic plan.

“Right now we are finalizing the strategic plan, which will be presented and we will have a sit-down with FIFA during the workshop, and from that, you have certain milestones you have to meet,” he stated.

According to the FKF president, FIFA’s funding is conditional on governance and planning benchmarks. These prerequisites are designed to ensure that federations have structured, accountable frameworks before receiving support. The delay has therefore impeded access to funds that are intended to strengthen grassroots programs, competitions, and development pathways for women players and technical staff.

Hussein acknowledged that internal inefficiencies and administrative instability during the early months of his leadership contributed to the federation’s inability to meet FIFA’s timelines. “We should have done that program six months back. We never did,” he admitted.

According to Hussein, the federation is implementing corrective measures, including restructuring key offices and improving administrative processes, in effort to stabilize operations and align with FIFA’s requirements. Hussein expressed optimism that the strategic plan is nearing completion and that the federation is now on course to meet the necessary milestones.

The delay underscores ongoing challenges in women’s football governance in Kenya, with the top-tier women clubs snubbing league matches last weekend, over a litany of operational issues.