Confusion goes on: FKF, KPL flip flop over AFC-Sony match as league nears the end

AFC's winger Paul Were takes on Sony's defender Andrew Waiswa during their KPL match at Nyayo stadium on 19-03-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Controversy over the yet-to-be-played Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match between AFC Leopards and Sony Sugar continues more than two months later and it will not go on today as scheduled.

During their governing council meeting, KPL last week ordered that the match be played at Awendo Green Stadium today .

But on Monday, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) wrote to both clubs and KPL to stop the match from proceeding.

In his letter, FKF President Sam Nyamweya asked both teams not to travel to Kisumu where the match was scheduled to be played until a review of an appeal filed by the federation has been determined.

“We request that both Sony and AFC stay away from this replay because this case is being handled by our independent body and the verdict will be out soon,” Nyamweya said in his letter which was also copied to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

FKF’s position is the same as that of AFC Leopards who have insisted they will not travel to Kisumu as the match had already been awarded to them.

AFC Leopards Secretary General, George Aladwa, said they are busy preparing for their weekend match against Bandari in Mombasa.

“That match was already awarded to us and we have no intention of playing it again,” he said in an interview.

Sony Sugar Chairman Paul Orato said he is waiting for a final word from KPL regarding the fate of the match.

Orato accused AFC Leopards of hiding behind FKF yet they are taking part in a league organized by KPL.

“It is surprising that when it suits them, AFC Leopards hide behind FKF. It is the reason they never lodged an appeal with KPL over the matter. In our case, we are ready for the match and are waiting for a final word from the league company,” he said.

Controversy has been hanging over the unplayed match since Sony Sugar declined to honour it two months ago. AFC Leopards were then awarded the match before the decision was reversed and a replay ordered.

KPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jack Oguda was not available for comment as he is out of the country, but an official in the secretariat said they will abide by the directive from FKF.

In a related development, FKF has called on the league company to award Muhoroni Youth points from an abandoned match against Tusker.

“We are also asking KPL to make sure that points awarded to Muhoroni Youth from their aborted match against Tusker are reflected in table standings because status quo remains.

“The points were awarded to Muhoroni and nothing will change. We asked aggrieved parties to appeal but Tusker are yet to do the same so those points should by now be reflecting in table standings,” the federation said.

Meanwhile, Gor could be crowned KPL champions in Kisumu on Saturday.

This is after the club moved their last match of the season against KRA to Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

Gor Chairman Ambrose Rachier said yesterday the decision to play the match in Kisumu is to reward their fans in the lakeside town.

“We are promising adequate security for our visitors and also undertake to accept whatever result we get on that day,” he said.

This is the third time Gor Mahia are playing at the stadium.