FKF Appeals Panel to decide Muhoroni, Sofapaka, Thika fate

National Super League sides Vihiga United FC and KCB FC are waiting on the wings to take the places of three Kenyan Premier League teams should any of their appeals against expulsion from the top flight by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) fail on Wednesday.

Muhoroni Youth FC, Sofapaka FC and Thika United FC were given a fortnight to appeal after FKF struck them off the 2017 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) January 10 for failing to meet the stringent FIFA/CAF Licensing Rules introduced in late 2015.

The trio beat Tuesday’s deadline to submit their documents with Thika presenting their papers first before Muhoroni and 2009 KPL champions Sofapaka turned in theirs later in the day.

“Yes, the three have brought their documents and a FKF panel will look into them to decide whether they will play in the KPL this season,” FKF Communications boss, Barry Otieno informed Citizen Digital.

The final composition of the 2017 18-team KPL will be known when the Panel delivers its ruling on whether Muhoroni, Thika and Sofapaka meet the threshold of being admitted to the competition after finishing in tenth, 12th and 14th in the 2016 final standings to guarantee safety on paper.

Speaking to Citizen Digital earlier, federation’s President, Nick Mwendwa revealed that second tier sides KCB FC and Vihiga United FC have all the necessary documents in place putting them on standby to take up the places in the top flight should any of the appeals fail.

“The Appeals Board will look into their documents tomorrow (Wednesday). If they don’t make it there are a few clubs that have already submitted their documents. Therefore, the two sides will take their places,” Mwendwa declared.

KPL champions, Tusker FC, Bandari FC and Ulinzi Stars FC have fully complied with the rules while the other 12 clubs were issued with provisional licenses after meeting 50 percent of the stipulated criteria.

Teams with provisional licenses have until June to fully comply otherwise they will be stopped from playing in the 2018 top flight according to the federation president.

Nzoia United, Kariobangi Sharks, Nakumatt FC and Zoo Kericho who finished in the NSL top four last year in that order will now play in the KPL next season who are also operating on temporary licenses with the composition of the 2017 NSL will be known after January 31.

Teams that have met the threshold have established youth teams, possess bank accounts, official sponsors with valid contract and stipulated contracts for players and coaches among other requirements.

-Reporting by John Kyanda and Mwangi Githinji