His current club Nejmeh SC, which competes in the Lebanese Premier League, confirmed the news in a statement on their social media pages. The club revealed Firat passed away while he was on his way to Adna a few hours after leaving Beirut.
According to the club statement, the 55-year-old breathed his last after suffering a heart attack.
Firat was on his way to Adna from Beirut
The statement read in part: ”To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.
“With great sadness and sorrow, Star Athletic Club mourns first team coach captain Engin Firat, who passed away following a sudden heart attack while at Istanbul Airport, on his way to Adna, a few hours after leaving Beirut for his country.
“During the time he spent with the club, the deceased was known for his professional commitment and high ethics, and he left a good impression on the ranks of the team and among the members of the star club family.
“The management of the club, the technical and administrative staff, the players, and the audience of Al-Najma Club extend their deepest condolences and sincere condolences to his generous family and loved ones, asking God to shower him with His mercy and inspire them with patience and solace.
“Rest in peace, Coach Engin Firat.”
FKF boss said on learning of Firat’s demise: “Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat. His contribution to Kenyan football will be fondly remembered, may his soul find eternal peace.”
Former FKF CEO Barry Otieno, who confirmed to Flashscore he had talked to the coach three days ago, said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Firat.
“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of former Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat. Coach Firat was not only a respected professional but also a dear friend,” explained Otieno.
“His dedication, wisdom, and warm spirit touched many on and off the pitch and his loss is felt by all who knew him.”
Otieno added: “May Allah forgive his sins, accept his good deeds, and grant him Jannah. May He give the coach’s family, friends, and all who loved him patience and strength during this difficult time.”
Gor Mahia Patron Eliud Owalo said: “I have received with sadness the news of the passing of Engin Firat, who served with passion and professionalism during his tenure as head coach of Harambee Stars.
“Firat brought to Kenyan football not only international experience, but also an unwavering belief in the potential of our players and the future of the game in our country.
“As Patron of Gor Mahia and a firm believer in the transformative power of sports, I deeply appreciate the role Coach Firat played in advancing football as a platform for national pride, youth empowerment, and unity.”
Owalo concluded: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues in the football fraternity, and the wider global football community.
“We pray that Allah will light his grave, expand it, and make his final abode a place of peace. May the beautiful memories of his leadership and friendship comfort us all, and may his legacy continue to inspire the football community.“Go well my good friend.”
Firat left Kenya after AFCON failure
Firat took charge of Kenya on October 7, 2021. In March 2024, Kenya won the Four Nations Cup held in Malawi. Kenya beat hosts Malawi 4-0 and Zimbabwe 3-1 in the final.
In December 2024, Firat threw in the towel as Harambee Stars coach after failing to guide the East African nation to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco).
Kenya, who were chasing for a seventh at the tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), failed to seal a ticket after finishing third in Group J which consisted of winners Cameroon, second-placed Zimbabwe and Namibia, who finished last.
Under Firat, Kenya started their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe, recovered to beat the Brave Warriors of Namibia 2-1 before two back-to-back defeats against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon shattered their hopes.
Cameroon won the first meeting before winning the second 1-0 in Uganda. Kenya finished off their campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Warriors of Zimbabwe before concluding their group matches with a 0-0 draw against Namibia.
The former Moldova coach left Harambee Stars after managing 23 matches. He registered seven wins, seven draws and nine defeats. His first game in charge saw Kenya suffer a 5-0 defeat against Mali in a World Cup qualifier before he lost 1-0 to the same side.
Kenya then drew 1-1 against Uganda and Firat got his first win - 2-1 - against Rwanda. He then lost 2-1 against Iran in an international friendly, beat Pakistan 1-0, lost 1-0 against Mauritius, beat Qatar 2-1, lost 1-0 against South Sudan before forcing Russia to a 2-2 draw in his 10th match in charge.
