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Kenya Court Rules Against New Regulations And League Expansion

Kenya’s high court on Friday ruled against the country’s Football Federation (FKF) in a case challenging new licensing regulations and an increase in the number … Continue reading Kenya Court Rules Against New Regulations And League Expansion


Kenya’s high court on Friday ruled against the country’s Football Federation (FKF) in a case challenging new licensing regulations and an increase in the number of premier league teams proposed by the governing body.

Ruling on a petition brought by former FKF boss Sam Nyamweya, high court judge John Mativo said the introduction of new club licensing regulations without the participation of members and stakeholders was illegal and in violation of FIFA and CAF guidelines.

The new rules, some of which were yet to be implemented, could have seen some Kenyan clubs denied licences to take part in either the Kenya Premier League (KPL) or the second division league, or even get demoted to lower leagues.

To be granted a license by the FKF, clubs are required to adhere to certain requirements, including having an operating office, club house, pitch and proof of sufficient finances for the season.

“Such unilateral actions will bring chaos and disunity to Kenyan football and degrade the extensive strides that have been accomplished, and may cause a total ban on Kenya football by FIFA,” Mativo said in his ruling.

The judge also ruled that the Premier League should revert to a 16-team championship from the current 18-team format.

FKF will appeal the decision, saying: “The federation remains committed to its footballing mission and will not be distracted by the ongoing effort by a section of disgraced former football administrators, keen on suffocating the development of the game at all levels.”

AFP