The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Appeals Committee has upheld the decision of the Leagues and Competitions Committee (LCC), confirming Mara Sugar FC’s advancement to the Round of 16 in the Mozzart Bet Cup following their abandoned clash with AFC Leopards.
The match, played on March 8, was halted in the 89th minute after AFC Leopards fans stormed the pitch in protest of a referee’s decision to overturn a penalty previously awarded to their team.
After a thorough review, the LCC ruled that the abandonment was caused by the misconduct of AFC Leopards supporters. Citing Article 6.4(iv) of the Mozzart Bet Cup Regulations and Article 3.5.6 of the FKF Rules and Regulations Governing Football in Kenya, the committee awarded the match to Mara Sugar.
The relevant FKF regulation clearly states: “A club will forfeit any match which was abandoned because of the misconduct of their members or supporters.” The rule is aimed at promoting safety and accountability by holding clubs responsible for fan behavior.
With the Appeals Committee affirming the ruling, Mara Sugar will now face Compel FC on May 21 in Kisumu. The winner of that match will meet Kenya Police FC in the quarter-finals.
