For the first time in 18 years, Gor Mahia FC are the Kenya Premier League (KPL) champions. This comes after the Football Kenya Federation Appeals Committee awarded K’Ogalo three points and three goals for an abandoned match played on September 1 at Awendo stadium after fans poured into the stadium.
In the aftermath of the match abandoned in the 84th minute, KPL ruled that the match be replayed as both sides were found guilty of causing abandonment of the match.
However, FKF ruled that Gor be awarded the points since Sony Sugar being the home team caused the match to end prematurely.
Gor Mahia and Sony Sugar challenged the decisions by KPL and FKF respectively and thus the matter was forwarded to the appeals committee which sided with FKF insisting Sony Sugar forfeits the points since it’s clear that being the home team, they caused the abandonment.
In the communication read on Thursday 24, the Football Kenya Federation Appeals Committee backed its ruling based on the following findings:
“The match reports indicate that Sony Sugar technical bench led by their coach and captain confronted the 1st Assistant referee to protest the goal awarded and that the conduct of the coach and his captain provoked Gor Mahia fans who pulled down the perimeter fence.”
“It is our finding that from the moment the Sony Technical Bench and Captain rushed to the 1st Assistant to protest the goal, the game never resumed and could not have resumed even if both teams wanted to play.”
“What happened thereafter was a consequence of the initial action and whoever initiated it caused the abandonment hence, SoNy should be held liable and forfeit the same,” read part of the statement.
“We therefore find that Sony Sugar technical bench and the captain initiated the first act and their fans joined in and were responsible for the abandonment. As earlier stated, the calling off of this match was a consequence of this act and hence should be liable and forfeit the game.”
The ruling implies that Gor Mahia get the three points and now top the log on 56 points 15 points ahead of AFC Leopards which had thin mathematical hopes of dislodging K’Ogalo from the top.
This implies that even if AFC Leopards win all their remaining four matches, they can’t overtake Gor Mahia FC.
Gor Mahia is home to Ugandan players Dan Sserunkuma, Israel Emuge and Ivan Anguyo. The side is coached by former Uganda Cranes Coach Bobby Williamson.
