NAIROBI, Kenya, August 21 – The Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee (IDCC) has overturned Kenyan Premier League’s decision to award AFC Leopards maximum points from their abandoned fixture against Sony Sugar a fortnight ago.
The match was abandoned after KPL moved the match to Afraha Stadium for security reasons but the designated home team Sony refused to travel and Ingwe were handed the three points and a 2-0 goal victory cushion.
The Sugar Millers filed an appeal which was upheld by IDCC on Thursday ruling that the second leg match be replayed at Awendo’s Green Stadium in a date to be announced later.
IDCC said the designation of matches as ‘high risk’ must be fair, and must not favour any club but ordered KPL to inspect the Awendo stadium and ensure it is suitable to host Premier League matches.
Should the venue not be suitable then Sony will be obliged to host the match against Leopards at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.
Speaking to Capital Sport from Awendo after inspecting the stadium, KPL Head of Technical, Safety and Security GMT Ottieno, confirmed the venue is ready to host the match.
“We have just finished inspecting the stadium which is in good condition, what we are going to recommend is that the match be played on a week-day.
“Sony have no problem the match being played on a Wednesday, and in that we will be practicing fair play of the home and away basis,” Otieno stated.
“KPL shall reimburse AFC Leopards SC the expenses it incurred in relation to Match No. 158. In this respect, Leopards shall present to KPL proof of the said expenses by the August 29,” IDCC further ordered.
Leopards on their part are not ready to let the points go with Secretary General George Aladwa, saying they will not honor the fixture.
“We will not accept that, KPL already awarded us the points and it was already filled in the standings. We are not going to play as far as we are concerned we were winners of that match,” Aladwa told Capital Sport.
The IDCC will issue a reasoned ruling on the case August 29.
