Too hot to handle

By Robin Toskin and Gilbert WanderaThe Kenyan Premier League (KPL) faces its defining moment this afternoon after it failed to make public the ruling by its Independent Disciplinary and Appeals Committee (Idac) on the fate of clubs that fielded players with three yellow cards.KPL was expected to make public Idac’s verdict, but the football gurus postponed it to today at 12pm.Idac under the chairmanship of Monie Wekesa sat on Wednesday evening and made their ruling, but would not divulge the verdict insisting it is only KPL that can communicate it. "This is KPL’s business. We have made our decisions and it is up to them to tell you," said Wekesa when contacted.Bob Munro, the KPL chairman termed the verdict as "too sensitive to comment on", but said: "There are still a few people required to counter sign on the verdicts. It will be ready tomorrow," he said.KPL managing director Jack Oguda could only refer FeverPitch to one of the premier league body staff saying he was in Naivasha and had not seen the report.KPL vice chairman Gerald Chege was quoted yesterday as saying the body stands by its disciplinary stance on clubs, a move that has heightened anxiety among the clubs.The reasonably successful Premier League body faces the sternest test since its inception three seasons ago after it penalised five clubs for fielding players who had accumulated three yellow cards.Three yellow cardsThe bone of contention, however, is the retrospective application of the rule only after Gor Mahia had won its appeal against Red Berets, who were found to have illegally fielded goalkeeper Hassan Saidi.KPL’s decision to audit the referees’ match reports found several teams had been fielding players with three yellow cards and that triggered a flurry of appeals on matches dating as far back as June. Three clubs Gor Mahia, KCB and Red Berets each lost a point with Sher Karuturi (two) and World Hope (three) also on the losing side.League leaders Mathare United and Bandari each gained two points. Ulinzi Stars gained three while Western Stima gained five points.Avoid relegationAs a result of the audit, Mathare Youth have lodged an appeal which if they win, they could reap eight points and could stand them in good stead in the race to avoid relegation.Mathare United’s title hunt would also get a shot in the arm should they hold on to the two points awarded by staying five points clear of Sony Sugar with three rounds of play remaining.The ‘Yellow Card’ fever has tested the league body to the limit with some clubs alleging favouritism while others have maintained the rules must be applied to the letter.Western Stima, Red Berets, KCB, Mathare Youth, Thika United, Mathare United, Bandari and Ulinzi Stars are said to be in support of the verdict while Mahakama, Sony, Gor Mahia, World Hope, Agro Chemical, Chemelil Sugar and Tusker are reportedly against the move. Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association after a dispute with referee Mike Dean.The charge relates to Ferguson’s behaviour towards Dean following United’s 4-3 victory over of Hull at Old Trafford on Saturday.Ferguson marched on to the field immediately after the match to remonstrate with the official.The Scot has been given until November 19 to respond. — Additional reporting by BBC Online

Too hot to handle

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.

Related Topics

Popular this week

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

DIGGER JOBS

Digger Motors

Digger Real Estate

Too hot to handle

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Stand With Bold Journalism. Stand With The Standard.

Related Topics

Trending Now

Popular this week

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.