Sports Dispute Tribunal revokes FKF decision to nullify promotion, the relegation of teams

Gor Mahia players celebrate a goal during their friendly match with Bandari at Mbaraki sports club in Mombasa.10th September 2022.[Omondi Onyango,Standard]

Confusion and uncertainty surrounding the kick-off of the 2022-2023 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League continued on Wednesday after the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT) issued an interim order of injunction to FKF suspending the decision by the FKF National Executive to nullify promotion and relegation of teams in the 2021/22 season.

On November 9, FKF announced that there will be no promotion nor relegation in the FKF Premier League, National Super League, Women Premier League, Men's Division One and Women's Division One leagues.

SDT arrived at the decision after APS Bomet and Kona Rangers, teams that were supposed to be promoted to the FKF Premier League and National Super League (NSL) respectively, filed an application to declare the Resolutions made by the FKF NEC on 9th November 2022 as null and void.

The two teams requested the tribunal to instruct the federation to include them in the FKF-PL and NSL fixtures having topped their respective leagues last season.

"That an interim order of injunction be and hereby issued staying the decision by the Football Kenya Federation National Executive Committee on promotion and relegation, pending the hearing and determination of this application," said the order signed by SDT Chairman John Ohaga.

He instructed APS Bomet and Kona Rangers to serve the 15 respondents by Friday, November 18 and the case will be mentioned for directions on Tuesday, November 22.

Dimba Patriots, Mayenje Santos and Kibera Soccer Women, who were also affected by the NEC decision, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba have been listed as interested parties in the case.

Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Will Fourmaux finally break M-Sport Ford jinx in Naivasha?
By Ben Ahenda 4 hrs ago
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tundo revs off first as Ruto flags off Safari
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Speed, fun and drink as Safari Rally action takes over 'Vasha'