FIFA Summons FKF Over KSh 75 Million Salary Dispute With Engin Firat

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

Kenya, 18 December 2025 - Kenyan football could be facing fresh uncertainty after FIFA summoned the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) over an ongoing KSh75 million salary dispute involving former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat.

The development has raised fears of possible sanctions, including another suspension, if the matter is not resolved in line with FIFA regulations.

Firat, who was dismissed from his role earlier this year, has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, claiming FKF failed to honour the financial terms of his contract. The German-Turkish tactician is reportedly demanding outstanding salaries and compensation amounting to approximately KSh75 million, a figure that has now drawn the attention of football’s world governing body.

According to sources familiar with the case, FIFA has requested FKF to submit detailed documentation and explanations regarding the contractual dispute. The federation has been given a limited window to respond, as FIFA assesses whether there has been a breach of employment obligations under its statutes.

The summons comes at a sensitive time for Kenyan football, which only recently emerged from a prolonged FIFA suspension linked to government interference. Any adverse ruling against FKF could have serious consequences, potentially affecting national teams, clubs, and Kenya’s participation in international competitions.

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Engin Firat coached Harambee Stars during a challenging period, guiding the team through Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and World Cup qualification matches. Despite mixed results, his tenure was marked by public disagreements with FKF over logistics, player welfare, and contractual issues, tensions that now appear to have escalated into a full legal dispute.

FKF officials have previously insisted that the federation acted within the terms of Firat’s contract and have hinted that financial constraints played a role in the disagreement. However, FIFA’s involvement significantly raises the stakes, as failure to comply with rulings from its dispute resolution bodies often leads to bans, fines, or suspensions.

As Kenyan football stakeholders await FKF’s response, pressure is mounting on the federation to resolve the issue swiftly and transparently. With the possibility of another FIFA sanction looming, the outcome of the Firat salary row could prove critical in shaping the immediate future of football in the country.