National Sports

Kenya risk losing points in WC qualifiers

Fifa has said Kenya, who are Flames’ opponents in the World Cup qualifiers, face points loss over stadium security.

The Harambee Stars are scheduled to meet the Flames on June 1.

According to BBC, Fifa has warned that Kenya risks losing points in its 2014 World Cup qualifiers after letting safety standards slip at its national stadium.

Fifa 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 $13 170 (about K2.2 million) for the incident, but warned that sanctions for future failures could include 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 last year were not the first at the Nyayo Stadium. Five fans died in a crash in October 2010 during a league match between Nairobi rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

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

The FKF has told BBC Sport that it has already taken steps to improve security at the stadium, adding some measures were already in place for the 2013 Nations Cup qualifier against Togo in February.

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