Harambee Stars central defender Joseph Okumu has called for unity among football stakeholders in a bid to improve the sport in the country.The Reims guard in French Ligue 1 further cautioned about engaging in activities that may lead to Kenya getting suspended by the world football governing body, FIFA.Okumu revealed this in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport Africa.##NAJAVA_MECA_8021302##Kenya was banned from world football for nine months in 2022 because of governmental interference in the running of the game and was subsequently barred from qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).On March 27, the world governing body FIFA informed the FKF to comply with its statutes and proceed with its Annual General Meeting (AGM) or face another suspension after the body failed to go ahead with the event due to a court order from Mombasa High Court.FIFA warned that “ordinary courts of law” should not be involved in football matters, insisting the court order to delay the FKF’s AGM amounted to “undue influence by third parties.”.”[When] all stakeholders come together and make a proper plan to accommodate the players, we can move to the next level,” defender Joseph Okumu told BBC Sport Africa.”We have to stop shooting ourselves in the foot by getting suspended from football because it’s a problem.Milton Nyakundi seeks information on disbursements to FKF from Sports, Arts, and Social Development FundOkumu knows the challenges that come with a ban or suspension, as he notes that “it keeps affecting the country and up-and-coming players as well. We must head in the same direction for the good of Kenyan football.”Until we get that right, it will prevent the country from competing against other top nations and make it difficult for our football to grow.”But Okumu, who plays for French club Stade Reims, knows the danger that comes with another suspension.The Harambee Stars could be forced out of qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, and may even be excluded from the qualifying draw for the 2025 Nations Cup.”It’s crucial to prevent another suspension,” the 26-year-old said.”Playing in tournaments like the Afcon and World Cup qualifying gives most of the local players the exposure that they need to take their careers to the next level.”I’ve benefited from that when we played the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019. So I think it’s crucial for us and all the upcoming players as well to get the exposure they require.Bernard Kawinzi to steer Posta in Kamau’s absence”We have the quality, but I think a lot of things need to be in place for us to be able to compete at the highest level.”All the players want to do is give their best on the pitch by defending the colours of our country.”Quotes courtesy of BBC Sport
