This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
On July 12, 2019, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO Robert Muthomi wrote a letter to the Egyptian embassy in Nairobi, requesting a visa for John Avire to travel to Cairo and watch the Africa Cup of Nations as a fan.
The letter sparked suspicion that Muthomi was using his influence to orchestrate a transfer for Avire, who had notified Sofapaka FC of his intention to terminate his contract due to unpaid salary arrears.
FKF has launched an internal investigation into the matter, with a statement saying, 'We have received a complaint from Sofapaka FC regarding striker John Avire's intended move to an undisclosed club in Egypt, despite having a running contract with the Kenyan Premier League club.'
FKF insisted that Avire is still a Sofapaka FC player with a valid contract running till December 31, 2020, and that any transfer would be contrary to both the FIFA and FKF Statutes.
