Uncertainty rocks Kenyan Premier League as High Court halts Saturday kick-off date

[p]The dispute which has halted the commencement of the season stems from [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/kariobangi-sharks/EkWjHR8e/"]Kariobangi Sharks[/a]’ challenge against the Sports Disputes Tribunal decision that upheld FKF’s 2025 promotion and relegation rules, which resulted in Sharks being automatically relegated from the top-flight.[/p][p][b]Sharks finished in the relegation zone after amassing 38 points, and they were automatically relegated alongside [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/bidco-united/0zjHr0CN/"]Bidco United[/a], and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/sofapaka/xU9afFkD/"]Sofapaka[/a].[/b][/p][p]Sharks were therefore, penalised under FKF’s 2025 rules and regulations which scrapped the traditional relegation play-off contest and forced the automatic drop of three teams.[/p][p][b]In their case, Sharks argued changing the relegation structure mid-way or after procedural flaws without General Assembly approval is unfair.[/b][/p][p]Though the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) initially ruled in favour of the FKF, the High Court issued stay orders.[/p][h2]FKF challenges High Court jurisdiction[/h2][p]FKF is, however, challenging the High Court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter, arguing any challenge to the SDT decision should be pursued before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.[/p][p][b]The case was filed by Evans Nduta, who is opposing FKF’s application while also challenging the validity and legality of the 2025 FKF Rules and Regulations governing the 2025/26 season.[/b][/p][p]In fresh directions issued by Hon. Lady Justice Janet Mulwa on August 25th, the court ordered both parties to observe the status quo as at August 10th, the date of the SDT decision.[/p][p]Since the new FKF Premier League season had not commenced on that date, the order preserved the position that existed then.[/p][p][b]The parties will return to court on September 21st for directions on FKF’s Preliminary Objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction and Sharks’ main application.[/b][/p][embed guid="4b72aae4-7949-475f-9aaf-717ed165e904" url="https://x.com/Y254Channel/status/2092527312847749490" social-type="twitter" /][p]The postponement has ignited debate across the football circles in the country with former [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/leopards/GWtFfl5B/"]AFC Leopards[/a] chairman, and current Nairobi FKF NEC member Dan Shikanda admitting Kenyan football was in a bad state.[/p][h2]‘Stalemate out of FKF hands’[/h2][p][b]“That’s why I’m saying as a federation we are in a bad position, because it is out of our hands,”[/b] said Shikanda as quoted by Citizen Digital.[/p][p]“If it’s in court, you cannot proceed. For example, if the court says you must wait until this case is resolved before you can move, you can’t start.”[/p][p]Shikanda added: [b]“If you do, you will be in contempt of court and you will be punished. So, as a federation, I say we are in a bad spot.[/b][/p][p]“And it’s good that when we return, we sit down and examine where that path led us astray, because it is very important that we respect these laws that were put in place or exist.”[/p][p]Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula told [i][b]Flashscore[/b][/i]: [b]“I don’t know what to say, because we have done everything to prepare our teams and get them ready, but then we can’t play now.[/b][/p][p]“I feel the FKF office should take the blame. They have failed to bring order into football. We can never always be fighting in the corridors of justice, looks like there is something wrong that must be fixed.[/p][p][b]“We have spent a lot of money preparing the teams, and we don’t know if to stop training for now, or what can we do?”[/b][/p][h2]Kenyans react to court ruling[/h2][p]According to Stephen Oduor Owutu football should be played on the pitch and not in courtrooms. He said: [b]“It is unfortunate that once again Kenyan football finds itself in courtrooms instead of on football pitches.[/b][/p][p]“At a time when clubs, players, sponsors and fans should be focusing on preparations for the new season, attention has shifted to legal battles. The uncertainty created by prolonged court cases risks delaying league planning, fixture release, player recruitment and club budgeting.”[/p][p]Owutu concluded: [b]“More importantly, Kenya is preparing to host AFCON 2027 alongside her East African neighbours. This is a historic opportunity for the country to showcase its football potential.[/b][/p][p]“The focus should be on strengthening leagues, improving infrastructure, attracting sponsors and developing talent, not on prolonged disputes that leave the football calendar in limbo.”[/p][p]Peter Ngarus said: [b]“Our courts should never issue such orders. FKF must be allowed to perform its mandate without interference. If a team is to be relegated, let it happen just as it was supposed to be.”[/b][/p][p]The new season was planned to kick off on Saturday, August 29th, with nine matches lined up for matchday one. The season already kicked off last Sunday during the FKF Super Cup.[/p][p][b]During the curtain-raiser, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/tusker/b9c0Ziqo/"]Tusker FC[/a] were crowned champions after defeating Gor Mahia 3-1. According to the fixture to start the season, Gor Mahia were scheduled to start their campaign against Murang’a Seal.[/b][/p][p]In other matches, promoted Migori Youth are lined up to face former champions Kenya Police FC, Mombasa United take on Kakamega Homeboyz, Mathare United host APS Bomet, AFC Leopards start away against Bandari FC.[/p][p]Posta Rangers are scheduled to face Shabana FC, promoted 3K start their campaign against Mara Sugar, Ulinzi Stars host Tusker, and Nairobi United take on KCB.[/p][image alt="Dennis Mabuka" id="009ee08a-c012-41bf-bdae-acba9770ea19" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="4ee2b8a5-62dc-40ec-a5fd-454927227540" original-width="1200" original-height="381" /]