NAIROBI, Kenya, September 21, 2026 – Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed says they are exploring the possibility of a promotion/relegation playoff to unlock the impasse around the 2026/27 Premier League.
In a statement, the president says consultations are going on to find the best solution that complies with court orders and FKF regulations.
“Our immediate focus is on securing a lawful, practical resolution. We are actively engaging affected stakeholders to explore an expedited playoff, or a mutually agreed structure that complies with court orders and FKF regulations,” he said.
The playoff would see Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United duel in a two-legged tie to determine whoever remains in the top tier – the crux of the ongoing dispute over the Premier League.
Sharks argue that the 2025/26 guidelines used to condemn them to second-tier – National Super League (NSL) – was improperly implemented, especially after the commencement of the season.
Under the previous rules (2019), Sharks – who finished 16th – would have faced the coastal side in a playoff, although FKF insist this is not mandatory.
Several court cases later, the start of the new season remains in limbo, with players bearing the brunt of the battles taking places in boardrooms, rather than on the pitches.
On his part, the FKF supremo decried the emerging trend of prosecution of football matters in court corridors, reiterating that this is a contravention of the statutes of the Confederation of Africa Football (Caf) and the world governing body, Fifa.
“While access to justice is a fundamental right, repetitive, calculated and contradictory legal interventions on the eve of competitions cause immense financial and emotional harm. They disrupt club planning, athlete livelihoods, losses for vendors, broadcasters and commercial partners,” he said.
Hussein added: “Football dispute resolution must balance legal rights with the stability required to run a functional national league. For this reason, Fifa, Caf and FKF statutes do not allow football-related disputes to be prosecuted in ordinary courts. We must immediately revert to internal dispute resolution mechanisms within the football administrative structures if we are to protect the growth, integrity and development of the game.”
His latest comments on the league would be a Godsend to stakeholders who have been waiting anxiously for the action to kickstart on the pitch – after many false starts.
