Kenya Face FIFA Sanctions

FIFA has warned Kenya that it faces losing points in its 2014 World Cup qualifiers after letting safety standards slip at its national stadium.

Football’s world governing body ruled that Football Kenya Federation (FKF) “failed to take all the necessary safety precautions” and was liable for “improper conduct among spectators.”

This follows problems before a qualifier against Seychelles at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi last November when fans are reported to have surged for shelter when rain fell.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee fined the FKF US$13,170 for the incident but warned sanctions for future failures could including deducting points.

Kenya begins the second stage of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup on 1 June at home to Malawi, with Nigeria and Namibia making up Group F.

The problems in November were not the first at the Nyayo stadium; five fans lost their lives in a crush in October 2010 during a league match between the two biggest Nairobi rivals – Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

While in 2005 a 15-year-old supporter died during an international match between Kenya and Morocco.