AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda dabbles into FKF elections standoff

AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda dabbles into FKF elections standoff

Joel Omotto 06:00 - 28.05.2024

AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda is among those who want a quick end to the FKF election standoff amid fears of another FIFA ban.

AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda is among those calling for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections whose process has stalled since March.

The FKF electoral process was put on hold in March when a Mombasa court halted the planned Annual General Meeting that was to lay a roadmap for the polls, leaving football stakeholders in a state of uncertainty.

The decision did not go down well with world football governing body FIFA which warned Kenya of dire consequences if football matters continue being settled in court and Shikanda is among those who fear that ‘Big Brother’ could strike hard if the standoff does not end soon.

“Elections are coming and we want the best for this country and it is important we have this election,” Shikanda told the media on Monday.

“The problems we have in this country with infrastructure, if we do not hold elections, FIFA will ban us again and CAF will withdraw CHAN (2024) and AFCON (2027). We shall not have the stadiums being built now going to completion and our youth will lose another opportunity.

“The elections are very important to Kenyans. Delegates are supposed to make the decision but I can tell you we have what it takes to tell people what is right and wrong.”

The Leopards boss feels the current standoff cannot be allowed to continue as it will be detrimental to the entire football ecosystem which suffered greatly when FIFA slapped Kenya with a nine-moth ban in 2022.

“My appeal to government and every football stakeholder is let us not lose CHAN and AFCON because we have 12 Premier League teams from Nairobi all playing their matches out of the city,” he added.

“Elections are coming and we shall vote wisely, others think some people are induced, but I am sure right decisions will be made on that day.”

Shikanda has had a frosty relationship with the FKF leadership in recent months, accusing the federation for not listening to pleas from his team on matters to do with stadium security and officiating, and it escalated on Sunday when Ingwe threatened not to play the remainder of the FKF Cup semi-final after it was abandoned following an attack on a referee.

He has, however, insisted that is just about seeking what is the best for his team and Kenyan football.

“I have supported Nick Mwendwa where he is right and told him where he is wrong. I am the only individual in the country whom they do not know where I stand because I will come out and say what is right for Kenyan football,” said Shikanda.

Although incumbent Nick Mwendwa has been mum over whether he will seek re-election, amid a push to have him barred from contesting from different quarters, Extreme Sports CEO Hussein Mohammed, Gor Mahia legend Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, former FKF boss Sam Nyamweya and Gor Mahia secretary-general Sam Ocholla are among those angling for his seat.

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