FIFA will give Kenya funds in the range of Sh1.13 billion to upgrade football status

FIFA has announced that it will launch a project dubbed FIFA FORWARD 3.0 on January 2023 to help in funding football projects for the next four years.

Kenya is among the 211 countries that will benefit from the programme as announced by FIFA after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

This project is aiming to support female players by the year 2026. FIFA has projected to hit a target of 60 million female players by the end of the first phase of this project.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts Ababu Namwamba and FIFA President, Gianni Infantino Pulse Live Kenya

READ: Government outlines key steps towards restoring football in Kenya

"The four-year cycle to the end of 2026 represents an increase in football development investment of almost 30% and is a direct consequence of the reinforced governance and financial situation of the new FIFA since 2016.

"A significant element of the investment will support FIFA’s goal of having 60 million female players participating in football worldwide by the end of the coming cycle," stated FIFA.

A total of $5 million (Sh617.2 million) will be disbursed to each member association to cover its operational costs in relation to football activities.

Ogada Michael Olunga (14) celebrates his goal with Abdalla Abdalla Hassan of Kenya during the 2022 World Cup Qualifier between Kenya and Rwanda at Nyayo stadium on November 15, 2022. AFP

Kenya is likely to be added $3 million (Sh370.3 million) for executing well-planned, specific football projects that contribute to the achievement of long-term football development objectives.

An additional $1.2 million (Sh148.2 million) could be disbursed to Kenya if it will be identified as a nation that needs more assistance.

The additional funds will be used to settle the costs of travel and accommodation for their national teams as well as football equipment.