Tackling Corruption and Governance: Hussein Mohammed's plea for a new era in African Football

Extreme Sports CEO Hussein Mohammed delivered a powerful speech on Day 1 of the Africa Football Business Summit 2023 in Nairobi, addressing the pressing issues afflicting African football. With a strong focus on the challenges of bad governance and corruption within the sport, Hussein Mohammed's words echoed the urgency for change in the African football landscape.

Football in Africa, Hussein Mohammed emphasized, is more than a game; it is a cultural phenomenon that unites communities and drives socio-economic development. He commended the Football Foundation for Africa for hosting the summit, a crucial platform for discussing the critical issues facing the sport.

In his speech, Hussein Mohammed articulated the heart of the problem, stating, "From poor infrastructure, inconsistent development strategies, and bad governance, most African federations are struggling to reap the benefits of an ever-growing global football economy." He did not mince words in addressing the elephant in the room - corruption. He continued, "At the heart of these challenges, our struggle to decisively deal with corruption, blatant theft, and impunity in football management remains the biggest challenge."

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To bring the point closer home, the football administrator referred to the scenario where Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba allegedly handed a dossier that incriminated the current Football Kenya Federation (FKF) office to FIFA but nothing really came out of it.

Referring to Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba's actions , Hussein Mohammed pointed out, "Stakeholders are still waiting for a response from the world governing body FIFA." This statement underscored the need for accountability and transparency within African football associations.

Throughout his speech, Hussein Mohammed emphasized the need for action, calling for unity and change in the following words: "The issues of corruption, mismanagement, and FIFA's treatment of African football associations cannot be ignored any longer. It's time for change, and it begins with a united effort from all stakeholders in African football."

He went on to highlight the significance of grassroots football, stating, "In light of these issues, it's clear that football's heart lies in its grassroots. The Africa Football Business Summit provides a crucial platform for discussions that can shape the future of African football." Hussein Mohammed passionately argued that the future of African football must be built upon a solid grassroots foundation.

Looking ahead to the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he reminded the audience that "our future champions are honing their skills at the grassroots level." Beyond talent development, grassroots football offers significant socio-economic benefits. However, he cautioned that challenges persist, hindering projects that rely on goodwill and volunteer support.

Hussein Mohammed's speech at the Africa Football Business Summit 2023 shone a spotlight on the critical issues facing African football. His words, "The future of African football hinges on prioritizing grassroots development, engaging all stakeholders, and fostering good governance practices," serve as a rallying cry for all involved. The call for change, transparency, and accountability in African football has never been more urgent, and it begins with collective efforts from everyone passionate about the beautiful game on the continent.

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