Migori Youth docked four points as NSL promotion race takes fresh twist
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 02.06.26. | 21:04
Migori were stripped of the single point earned from the draw and additionally docked three points, resulting in a total deduction of four points
The National Super League (NSL) title and promotion race has been dramatically reshaped following a ruling by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Appeals Committee concerning the match against Migori Youth FC and Kabati Youth FC.
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In a judgment released on Tuesday, 2 June, Migori Youth were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player, Collins Otieno Ouma, resulting in a significant four-point deduction and a Ksh100,000 fine that could prove decisive in the race for the league title and promotion to the FKF Premier League.
According to the ruling, Ouma, formerly of FKF Premier League side Tusker FC and previously attached to Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA), was not duly registered as a Migori Youth player within the stipulated registration period.
The Appeals Committee established that the midfielder was registered on Thursday, 8 January, four days before the official opening of the second-tier league's registration window, rendering his registration irregular and therefore invalid.
The player subsequently featured in Migori Youth's league fixture against Kabati Youth at Awendo Green Stadium on Sunday, 11 January.
Ouma was introduced as a second-half substitute in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Following the determination that Migori Youth had breached player registration regulations, the committee awarded the match to Kabati Youth and imposed further sanctions on the Migori-based club.
Migori were stripped of the single point earned from the draw and additionally docked three points, resulting in a total deduction of four points.
The ruling has significantly altered the complexion of the promotion race.
Migori Youth, who had been leading the standings, now drop to second place on 73 points. They are level on points with 3K FC, who move to the summit courtesy of a superior goal difference.
At the other end of the table, the verdict has provided a major boost to Kabati Youth's survival hopes.
The Murang'a-based side were awarded a 2-0 victory, earning an additional two points while also improving their goal difference.
The outcome lifts Kabati to 15th place on 37 points, moving them five points clear of the relegation zone and strengthening their chances of preserving their NSL status.
Despite the setback, Migori Youth have indicated they are not prepared to accept the ruling without a fight.
In an official statement, the club confirmed receipt of the verdict while maintaining their innocence and announcing plans to pursue further legal avenues.
"Migori Youth FC acknowledges the ruling issued by the FKF Appeals Committee concerning our club.
"While we respectfully disagree with the decision, we remain committed to the rule of law and the established dispute-resolution mechanisms within football governance. We have full confidence in the available legal and regulatory processes and will pursue the appropriate channels to seek redress.
"We therefore assure our fans, partners and stakeholders that there is no cause for alarm. We remain focused on our sporting objectives and are confident that truth, clarity and justice will ultimately prevail," the statement read.
With only two rounds of fixtures remaining, the title race is now delicately poised.
Migori Youth face crucial encounters against Equity FC and fellow title contenders 3K FC, while the Embu-based side will take on already relegated Mwatate United before hosting Migori in what could ultimately prove to be a winner-takes-all showdown.
The latest ruling ensures that the battle for the NSL crown and the coveted promotion places will go down to the wire, setting the stage for a tense and potentially dramatic conclusion to the 2025/26 campaign.