Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has explained why the 2026/27 SportPesa League was postponed, attributing the delay to conflicting High Court orders over the composition of the 18-team competition and a promotion-relegation dispute.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement released on Monday, September 21 and obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, FKF President Hussein Mohammed said the federation took office with a transformative vision to build a sustainable, professional and holistic football system in Kenya.

FKF said it had initially received directions from the High Court in Murang’a on August 28 that allowed preparations for the new season to proceed, with the federation and clubs later agreeing on September 19 as the revised kickoff date after an earlier August 31 start was postponed.

However, on September 18, the Murang’a High Court issued an order restraining FKF from starting the league until a promotion and relegation playoff involving Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United was conducted and determined.

📌 What You Need to Know

“The Murang’a order barred the league from starting without the playoff between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United, while the Kiambu order required Mombasa United to be included as the 18th club without one. Following either order could expose the federation and other stakeholders to legal consequences,” FKF said.

The dispute stems from the promotion and relegation positions of Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United and disagreements over which FKF regulations should govern the process. Mombasa United, a National Super League side, has been seeking a place in the top flight, while Kariobangi Sharks is involved in the dispute over the position and whether a playoff is required.

“The High Court in Murang’a directed that the league could not commence until the playoff between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United was conducted, while the High Court in Kiambu directed FKF to include Mombasa United as the 18th club without a playoff. Proceeding under either directive without resolving the other would expose the federation, clubs, sponsors, players and broadcasters to legal and commercial risks,” FKF said.

“Taken together, these contradictory orders have created an impossible legal situation,” FKF said, adding that proceeding under either position could expose officials, clubs, sponsors, players and broadcasters to legal and commercial risks.

Regardless, the federation said its agenda focuses on youth development, grassroots football, coaching, refereeing and infrastructure. FKF cited the Junior Starlets’ FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualification, training more than 1,000 grassroots scouts and plans for a technical centre in Machakos.

The federation also highlighted the Ksh1.12 billion title sponsorship and another deal as key to strengthening Kenyan football. FKF said Ksh129.1 million would go directly to the 18 clubs, with each receiving Ksh7.1 million, while Ksh20 million would form the league’s prize pool.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke