NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct. 9 – The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee has awarded Mombasa United a 2-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks following the abandonment of their promotion playoff match, securing the coastal side’s promotion to the FKF Premier League.
In a ruling issued on Friday night after a hearing held earlier in the day, the committee, chaired by Peter Kamau Chege, found Kariobangi Sharks responsible for the abandonment of the match in the 64th minute after their players confronted the centre referee in protest against a penalty decision.
The committee further established that Kariobangi Sharks kit manager Patrick Paul Otieno, alongside a section of fans from the stands occupied by the club’s supporters, invaded the pitch and physically assaulted the centre referee.
“In accordance with Art. 3.3.2 as read with Art. 3.3.3 of the Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football (2019), the Committee declares that the match shall be forfeited by Kariobangi Sharks FC and the same shall be awarded to Mombasa United FC on a 2-0 score,” the committee chair said in a statement.
The committee also referred matters relating to the violence and misconduct reported during the match to the FKF Disciplinary Committee for prosecution and appropriate sanctions.
The second leg of the FKF Premier League promotion match was aborted in the 64th minute on Tuesday, October 6 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex after Sharks players protested a penalty awarded to visitors Mombasa United.
The match was at 2-1 in favour of Kariobangi Sharks, taking the aggregate to 3-3 after Mombasa won 2-1 in the first leg played at the Mbaraki Sports Club.
