Why SDT has slammed brakes on FKF Premier League clash between Mara Sugar and Gor Mahia
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 22.05.26. | 18:32
The match was originally set to be played on Sunday, with a win possibly sealing the 22nd league title for Gor Mahia
The highly-anticipated FKF Premier League clash between Gor Mahia and Mara Sugar scheduled for Sunday, 24 May at Raila Odinga Stadium, Homa Bay has been halted after the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) issued orders stopping the fixture pending the hearing and determination of an appeal filed by the sugar millers.
The tribunal’s intervention follows a dispute over the venue of the match, with Mara Sugar challenging the decision made by the Football Kenya Federation’s Leagues and Competitions Committee (LCC) to move the fixture to Homa Bay.
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Initially, the encounter had been slated for Awendo before later being shifted to Wang'uru Stadium.
However, another directive from FKF’s LCC reassigned the match to Raila Odinga Stadium, a decision Mara Sugar strongly objected to, prompting the club to seek legal redress at the SDT.
In a statement released by the club, Mara Sugar confirmed that the match would no longer proceed as planned on Sunday, revealing that the matter is set to be mentioned before the tribunal on May 26, 2026.
“The Sports Disputes Tribunal has issued orders stopping our home match against Gor Mahia pending hearing and determination of the appeal.
“An appeal was filed against the arbitrary decision of FKF LCC directing the said match to be played at Raila Odinga Stadium, Homa Bay. Matter to be mentioned on 26.05.26," the club stated.
The back-and-forth surrounding the fixture stems from concerns over Mara Sugar’s initially proposed home venue in Awendo, which was reportedly deemed unsuitable for hosting a high-risk fixture.
Following the development, the Millers opted for Wang’uru Stadium as an alternative venue for the decisive encounter.
However, FKF’s Leagues and Competitions Committee rejected the Kilgoris-based side’s proposal, arguing that Wang’uru Stadium had neither been listed as the club’s registered alternative venue nor approved within league regulations.
“The League and Competitions Committee notes that your choice of venue was neither registered as your alternative venue, nor your second alternative venue,” part of FKF’s communication to the club read.
“In addition, the venue is more than 200 kilometres from your primary home venue,” a letter signed by FKF Head of Leagues and Competitions Frank Ogolla further stated.
The latest development now throws uncertainty into the FKF Premier League schedule at a critical stage of the season, with both clubs awaiting further direction from the tribunal regarding the fate of the fixture and the contentious venue standoff.
The suspended match also carries enormous implications in the title race.
Gor Mahia are currently just one victory away from clinching another league crown, a feat they had hoped to potentially secure over the weekend.
With K’Ogalo now set to remain inactive, rivals AFC Leopards could seize the opportunity to cut the gap at the summit to just a single point heading into the decisive final weekend of the campaign, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the title race next weekend.