SDT orders replay, slaps FKF with costs in Gucha Stars dispute

In its judgment, the SDT found FKF Chief Executive Officer Harold Ndege, FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee Chairman Peter Kamau, and Competitions Manager Frank Ogolla in contempt of an earlier order requiring a fair resolution of the case. 

Sentencing of the three officials is suspended, but only on condition that the federation fully complies with the latest directives.

The Tribunal instructed FKF to stage the replay at a neutral venue, not at Bucks’ home ground, and to update the Division One league standings immediately after the match. Once the standings are revised, FKF must organize the National Super League (NSL) playoff fixture without further delay.

In a further blow to the federation, the KSh.100,000 fine imposed on Gucha Stars has been declared unlawful and must be refunded within seven days. 

All results, standings and related actions taken in contravention of earlier SDT orders have been nullified, with FKF ordered to bear the full costs of the application.

The dispute dates back to last season, when Nakuru Bucks accused Gucha Stars of fielding an ineligible player during a decisive Division One clash. 

The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee initially upheld the claim, alleging that a player listed as Eugene Nyakaga was in fact an unregistered imposter, Bildad Marube.

 Gucha Stars were docked three points, dropping them out of an automatic NSL promotion spot.

That ruling cleared the way for Soy United to gain direct promotion and for Compel SC to win a playoff against Bumbani Stars.

 However, Gucha appealed, and the FKF Appeals Committee later determined that the initial punishment had been issued by a body lacking jurisdiction.

The SDT subsequently froze the NSL’s September 13 kickoff and barred Soy United and Compel SC from competing until the matter is settled. Their opening fixtures—Soy against Darajani Gogo and Compel versus Kisumu All Stars—remain on hold pending the replay and updated standings.

All eyes now turn to FKF’s swift execution of the replay order, which could yet reshape the 2025 NSL lineup and settle a promotion saga that has gripped Kenyan football for months.