Fred Maingi reports on controversy sorrounding the aborted match between AFC and GOR

 Sam Nyamweya:FKF boss

 Nairobi,Wednesday 01
the simmering crisis pitting Football Kenya Federation (FKF) against
Kenya Premier League (KPL) body appears to be ending after the
Federation nullified any fines imposed on AFC Leopards for not
honoring their weekend clash against arch rivals Gor Mahia.
 

  The Federation has therefore ordered KPL not to fine AFC Leopards
for failing to honor the Top Eight soccer tournament that features
the top eight clubs in the just ended KPL season.
 The match scheduled last Sunday July 29, at Moi International
Sports Centre, Kasarani, was awarded to Gor after AFC failed to
turn-up.

FKF, through its Chairman Mr. Sam Nyamweya, demanded to be furnished with
security measures, rules and regulations of the tournament.
AFC Leopards were to face a fine of Kshs 500,000(Approx.US $ 5,953)
for failing to honor the match as per the KPL policy, an
approximately Kshs3.5 Million, (Approx.US $ 416,665) direct costs
incurred by broadcasters Super Sport international in arranging for
the game. that amounted to almost Kshs 7 million including paying
match officials, hiring of the venue, security and broadcast rights
among others.
 

 The Federation had demanded from KPL a detailed security plan
developed by KPL for handling this Top 8 match and the rules and
Regulations governing the Top 8 Tournament.
 

 “It is with regret to mention that, a statement from the federation
added, KPL did not adhere to this request and up to date, the
Federation has not been furnished with these documents. Since our core
business is to manage, control, regulate, develop and encourage all
football related activities, we believe in fairness and proper
management and organization of the league and any such activity
related to football including those organized by KPL and even the
sponsor.

This formed the basis of our proposal to KPL to postpone the
match until a meeting where AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, two clubs
would be represented was convened and all related matters in respect
of staging this contentious match would be discussed and agreed upon.”

This was however not heeded and at such the Federation directs that
the results of this Top (8) match remains in abeyance pending your
response and the Federation’s actions on your response which should be
filed by 12.00 noon on Tuesday 31st July 2012.

In the buildup to the Sunday game, Leopards gave a list of reasons as
to why they would not honor that tie, and sure enough failed to do so.

  However, Leopards can now breathe easy as they will pay no fine to
KPL – as ordered by FKF.The Top 8 will proceed on Thursday 2 August
2012 with two semifinal ties; Gor Mahia Vs Tusker, Sony Sugar Vs
Ulinzi Stars.