KPL clubs to wait longer to know fate of league

Gor Mahia fans celebrate their goal against AFC Leopards during their KPL Derby at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday 08/03/2020. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) clubs will have to wait longer to know if the league will resume or not.

This is after the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) said they need three weeks to make a ruling on the fate of the league regarding the alleged contempt of court by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the move to nullify the KPL.

In yesterday’s hearing of FKF’s objection to Chemelil and KPL’s suit via video conference, SDT chairman John Ohaga said he will give his ruling on June 30.

SDT has in the meantime extended the exparte order setting aside FKF’s decision to end the season and declare Gor Mahia champions.

In the application, KPL and Chemelil Sugar claimed FKF had no veto powers to cancel the league or declare Gor Mahia champions since FKF’s National Executive Council and Mwendwa’s term of office ended on February 10.

KPL wants the tribunal to quash FKF’s decision and to stop Mwendwa from frustrating its efforts and exclusive powers to manage the league.

The petitioners have also invited the tribunal to determine if the 2015 FKF-KPL signed agreement is still valid and whether it has any legal effect on the company. In the case, Chemelil claimed the decision to declare Gor champions has had an adverse effect by relegating them to the Super League.

FKF had announced the annulment of the top-tier on April 30, crowning Gor Mahia and effecting the relegation of Chemelil Sugar and Sony Sugar.