NAIROBI, Kenya, October 24 – Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has overturned Kenyan Premier League’s decision to award Tusker FC their abandoned match against Muhoroni Youth throwing a further unwelcome twist in the title race.
In a letter addressed to KPL CEO Jack Oguda, FKF referred the matter to relevant judicial bodies for a final binding decision in the latest round of the simmering supremacy contests between the football and league governing bodies.
The conclusion of the 2014 KPL season scheduled for mid next month could be delayed by boardroom tussles with the final verdict of the disputed clash between AFC Leopards and Sony Sugar yet to be made three months since the dispute was sparked when FKF intervened.
“We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 23rd October and the decision to award the match to Tusker FC. The matter in question and the dispute is very important and touches on the integrity of the game and should be referred to the relevant body of the first instance for a decision.
“It is our position that the KPL secretariat lacks jurisdiction on the matter and should defer the decision to award the match to Tusker FC,” the letter directed.
KPL ruled the tie abandoned in the 77th minute last Sunday at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium be awarded to the Brewers by a 2-0 victory margin after Muhoroni were found responsible for forcing the premature end of the game.
The league administrators explained the referee had taken appropriate action by booking the offending player Dennis Nzomo after he came on before the man he was replacing Clifford Alwanga left the field of play in a bungled substitution.
The Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee (IDCC) is the body mandated to resolve such issues and should any party feel aggrieved there is the Independent Disciplinary and Appeals Committee (IDAC) to turn to for redress.
FKF arrived at the decision to severely punish AFC Leopards for their abandoned GOtv Shield semi final against fellow KPL side, Sofapaka without going through the same disciplinary bodies less than 24 hours after the Monday chaos at Nairobi’s City Stadium but they are not obliged to follow IDCC and IDAC as the parent federation.
