This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
July 18, 2020 - Nairobi, Kenya - Tom Alila, a veteran football administrator and FKF presidential aspirant, has emphasized the importance of respecting the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT) in the Kenyan constitution.
Alila, a former FKF National Executive Member for Nyanza South, expressed disappointment over a court case filed by a FKF Coast National Executive Committee Member, arguing that the SDT has no jurisdiction to rule on sports matters.
However, a High Court in Mombasa ruled that the SDT has jurisdiction to determine sports matters and cases against FKF.
“The Sports Dispute Tribunal is enshrined in the constitution of Kenya, therefore it should be respected. Whatever decisions they make that is their job. The SDT can not only be good when they rule in your favor, but when it’s against it’s a bad thing,” Alila said.
Alila, who has a good record in promoting grassroots football, aims to grow talent from the grassroots, strengthen women’s football, and take care of the welfare of players, coaches, and referees.
He cited his success in promoting the game in Nyanza South under the reign of former FKF president Sam Nyamweya, where teams like Palos FC (now Kisumu All-Stars) and Muhoroni Youth flourished.
Alila also emphasized the need to strengthen women’s football, encouraging girls to play the sport from the grassroots level.
On the management of the Kenyan Premier League, Alila stated that if elected, he would not interfere with their affairs but would serve as an oversight authority.
“KPL is a limited company, it can seek sponsorship on their own, but it is oversighted by FKF. KPL is an independent company, FKF is only a regulator, their mandate is to regulate football,” Alila underscored.
Alila called on incumbent FKF president Nick Mwendwa to convene a stakeholders meeting to decide on the date of elections and the rules and regulations.
