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
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