Sofapaka, Muhoroni, Thika axed from KPL in FKF license purge

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) have made good their threat and relegated three top flight clubs- Muhoroni Youth, Thika United and Sofapaka – from the Kenyan Premier League for failing to meet licensing requirements in conformity with CAF and FIFA regulations.

Federation President Nick Mwendwa announced on Monday afternoon the trio who finished 10th, 12th and 14th in the 2016 KPL log will now play in the 2017 National Super League (NSL) with the affected clubs having 14 days to appeal.

“According to the rules spelt out in the FKF licensing manual, the teams have recourse to appeal the decision begore the FKF Appeals Committee and further, to CAF,” Mwendwa stated.

He added 15 clubs made the cut for next season’s top-flight with champions Tusker FC, Bandari FC and Ulinzi Stars FC obtaining full licences with the rest including local titans Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards given leave to operate with provisional certification having met part of the 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 15-team KPL next season who are also operating on temporary licenses.

Addressing the press at the federation headquarters, Mwendwa declared the composition of the 2017 NSL will be known after January 31.

According to the FKF boss, 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.

“This is the time it will be established whether the KPL clubs who have been relegated have been cleared to play in the league or not. They still have to comply because the criteria is standard in both leagues and only timelines varied.

“If they don’t meet the criteria, they will be relegated further to the National Division One League which has no conditions,” charged Mwendwa.

The decision to wield the axe on the KPL sides by the federation is the latest intriguing development in the composition of the 2017 top flight that starts next month.

It came on the eve of the Sports Disputes Tribunal ruling in a case filed by KPL Limited against the federation on the number of teams that will play in the top division this year.

Mwendwa was categorical the decision to demote non-compliant KPL teams had nothing to do with their tussle with the league management company over whether to retain the 16-team format or expand to 18.

He conceded all clubs had submitted documents by the December 23 extended deadline as required but the decision to drop the teams from the top flight was taken after they failed to match at least part of the criteria.