体坛英语新闻：FIFA president expresses sadness over death in Kenyans stadium

NAIROBI, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Soccer's world governing body FIFA president Sepp Blatter has expressed sadness on learning of the stampede at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday that left eight fans dead and scores injured at a local premier league fixture.

"I wish to express extreme sorrow and extend our condolences to the Kenyan football community and, most importantly, to family, friends and loved ones following these tragic deaths," said Blatter in a statement on Wednesday.

"I have learned that an investigation is already underway. Everything possible must be done to understand the cause of this terrible incident in order to prevent such a tragic happening at this stadium again," he said.

Football Kenya Limited has banned the use of Nyayo Stadium together with City Stadium from hosting matches and demanded an explanation from the KPL why the match, involving Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, was held at night.

Football Kenya, KPL together with the government have launched separate investigations. Following the stadium ban, KPL has been forced to seek alternative venues for their on going league fixtures.

Saturday's ties involving Sofapaka versus Posta and Mahakama versus Mathare United and Sunday's match ups between KCB and Red Berets and AFC Leopards and Karituri Sports were scheduled for City Stadium.

"We are consulting clubs and will make an announcement on the new venues. The dates remain unchanged but clearly the ban has disorganized our programme," KPL chief officer Jack Oguda said.

Meanwhile, the chairman, Athletics Kenya Isaiah Kiplagat has condemned the banning by Football Kenya Limited of the two stadiums from hosting local matches following the stampede last Saturday.