FKF Reaffirms Updated Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has reaffirmed and continues to enforce the Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football, a comprehensive framework that guides the administration, competitions, discipline, and overall governance of football across the country.

These regulations, aligned with FIFA and CAF statutes, remain central to promoting integrity, fairness, and professionalism at all levels of Kenyan football — from grassroots and county leagues to national competitions.

Strengthening Governance and Football Administration

Under the updated regulatory framework, FKF remains the supreme authority responsible for organizing and supervising football activities in Kenya. All leagues, clubs, branches, sub-branches, and affiliated members are required to operate strictly within FKF statutes, regulations, and circulars.

The rules clearly define:

• Roles of FKF National Office, Branches, and Sub-Branches
• Responsibilities of clubs, officials, players, referees, and match officials
• Compliance with national and international football statutes

This structure ensures uniform governance and accountability across all football competitions.

Club Registration and Licensing Requirements

All football clubs participating in FKF-sanctioned competitions must be formally registered and licensed annually. Clubs are required to:

• Submit valid registration documents
• Meet competition eligibility requirements
• Adhere to financial and administrative standards

Failure to comply may result in disqualification, suspension, or disciplinary sanctions.

Player Registration, Transfers, and Eligibility

The regulations provide clear guidelines on:

• Player registration at branch, county, and national levels
• Transfer procedures within domestic competitions
• Protection of minors and youth players
• Eligibility criteria for participation in official matches

Players are only allowed to represent one club per competition season, except as permitted under transfer windows established by FKF.

Competition Structure and Match Regulations

FKF competitions are governed by standardized rules covering:

• League formats and match scheduling
• Promotion and relegation procedures
• Matchday operations and safety standards
• Player substitutions and squad registration

All matches must be officiated by FKF-appointed referees, and any unauthorized matches are strictly prohibited.

Discipline, Ethics, and Fair Play

Disciplinary control remains a key pillar of the regulations. Acts such as:

• Match manipulation
• Player and official misconduct
• Violence, hooliganism, or abuse of match officials
• Fielding ineligible players

are punishable through sanctions including fines, suspensions, point deductions, or expulsion from competitions.

FKF disciplinary bodies retain the authority to investigate and adjudicate all football-related offenses.

Dispute Resolution and Appeals

The regulations establish formal mechanisms for:

• Lodging protests and complaints
• Appeals against disciplinary decisions
• Arbitration through FKF judicial bodies

All disputes must follow internal FKF channels before escalation to continental or global football bodies.

Alignment With FIFA and CAF Standards

FKF emphasizes that these rules are fully aligned with FIFA and CAF regulations, ensuring Kenyan football remains compliant with international best practices. Any matters not expressly covered in the local regulations are guided by applicable FIFA statutes.

Commitment to Grassroots and Youth Development

The rules place strong emphasis on:

• Structured youth competitions
• Protection of young players
• Ethical conduct by academies and schools
• Promotion of women’s football

This commitment supports sustainable football growth from the grassroots to elite levels.

Conclusion

The continued enforcement of the Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football underscores FKF’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and integrity in the game. All stakeholders — clubs, players, officials, and fans — are urged to familiarize themselves with these regulations and uphold the values of fair play.

As Kenyan football continues to grow, strict adherence to these rules remains essential in building a competitive, credible, and globally respected football system.