Controversial Zoo FC vs Nairobi United Playoff Match: Sports Disputes Tribunal issues Stay of Execution Order
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 15.09.23. | 14:50
This essentially means Nairobi United's debut in the National Super League (NSL) will have to wait until a clear direction is issued in regards to the matter
In a dramatic development, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) has issued a stay of execution order following the highly controversial Zoo FC vs Nairobi United playoff match that took place earlier this year. The match was marred by chaos and disputes that led to abandoment with Nairobi United on the frontfoot.
Zoo FC took the matter to the Tribunal to challenge the ruling by the Football Kenya Federation's (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee, which awarded Nairobi United the abandoned FKF National Super League Promotion playoff game. The playoff game, played on August 6th in Nakuru, was abandoned in the closing stages due to fan trouble. Despite the abandonment, FKF's Leagues and Competitions Committee awarded the game to Nairobi United, who were leading 1-0 at the time.
The repercussions from this contentious match extended beyond the result itself. In addition to losing the game, Zoo FC faced severe penalties from FKF:
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1. Deduction of three (3) points from their accumulated points in the 2022/23 league season.
2. A further deduction of three (3) points that were not already accrued for the 2023/24 season, resulting in the club starting the season with a deficit of negative three (-3) points.
3. Mandatory behind-closed-doors fixtures for their first five (5) matches in the 2023/24 FKF Men’s Division One League.
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4. A fine of Ksh 300,000 imposed on the club.
As of September 14, 2023, the SDT has issued the following orders:
1. Stay of Execution: Pending further hearing and determination of the application, conservatory orders have been issued to stay the execution of both the tribunal ruling delivered on September 5, 2023, and the ruling of the FKF Leagues & Competition Committee on August 11, 2023.
2. Mention and Further Directions: The matter is now scheduled for mention and further directions on September 19, 2023, at 2:30 PM via Microsoft Teams. This will be a crucial hearing where the future course of action will be decided.
The SDT's decision has now added a layer of complexity to the already contentious playoff match dispute.
