Former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has taken a decisive step in his battle against the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), escalating his salary dispute to FIFA. The Turkish tactician alleges he is owed KSh 75 million in unpaid wages, a debt that has strained his ties with Kenyan football authorities.
Silent Federation, Mounting Frustration
Firat resigned as Harambee Stars head coach after the team failed to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. His departure came after months of waiting for FKF to address his salary concerns. A demand letter sent to FKF’s new president, Hussein Mohammed, provided a 14-day ultimatum for payment, but no action was taken.
“I have received nothing—no response, no offer, nothing at all,” Firat said in a candid interview. He revealed that the matter is now in the hands of his legal team, as FKF’s silence leaves him no alternative.
Leadership Woes and Policy Reversals
Firat’s grievances extend beyond unpaid wages. He criticized FKF’s management and the frequent changes in Kenya’s sports leadership. Specifically, he expressed frustration over the dismantling of promising initiatives like Talanta Hela, launched by former Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, which he believes could have boosted the sport.
“The short-term leadership decisions have destroyed so much, including Talanta Hela. It’s disheartening to see such good programs abandoned,” Firat lamented.
Emotional Investment and Disappointment
Initially reluctant to pursue legal action, Firat cited his deep connection with the Harambee Stars players as his primary reason for staying in the role longer than expected.
“I wanted to achieve something meaningful with the team,” he shared. “But after so many broken promises, I’ve been left with no choice but to act.”
A Systemic Issue
The case underscores broader challenges within FKF, including its dependence on inconsistent government funding. Firat compared Kenya’s situation to federations in Europe and the U.S., where financial stability ensures smoother operations and fewer disputes.
His tenure with the national team ended on a low note, with Kenya finishing third in their AFCON 2025 qualifying group, behind Cameroon and Namibia. Despite these setbacks, Firat said his time in Kenya offered valuable lessons, though it was overshadowed by administrative and financial hurdles.
Setting a Legal Precedent
By taking the matter to FIFA, Firat’s actions could establish a new precedent for handling salary disputes involving foreign coaches in Kenya. The move highlights the urgent need for reforms in FKF to improve governance, financial management, and its overall relationship with technical staff.
As Firat prepares for the legal battle, the dispute serves as a wake-up call for Kenyan football authorities to address systemic issues and restore professionalism within the sport.
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