[TUESDAY] TOUCHLINE COLUMN: Why FKF must let the rules, not circumstances, decide abandoned matches

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee recently delivered verdicts on two abandoned SportPesa Premier League matches involving Nairobi United, Gor Mahia, Ulinzi Stars and Murang’a Seal.

The decisions, intended to bring closure to games marred by crowd unrest and on-field disputes, have instead reopened an old and uncomfortable debate about consistency, fairness and strict adherence to competition rules.

At the centre of the storm is the handling of the Matchday 15 fixture between Nairobi United and Gor Mahia, which was halted at 1–1 following crowd disturbances that raised serious safety concerns.

FKF’s decision to uphold the scoreline as the final result has drawn sharp criticism, most notably from AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani, who argued that the ruling handed undue advantage to certain teams and undermined sporting fairness.

Ambani’s frustration is understandable, not because his club was directly involved, but because decisions of this nature ripple across the league table and affect clubs fighting for titles, continental places or survival.

When abandoned matches are resolved administratively rather than on the pitch, perceptions of bias — whether real or imagined — inevitably follow.

The second ruling involving Ulinzi Stars and Murang’a SEAL only added fuel to the debate. That match was abandoned deep into stoppage time with Murang’a leading 2–1 after Ulinzi refused to resume play following a controversial goal.

FKF’s decision to award Murang’a a 2–0 win, effectively overturning the scoreline at the time of abandonment, was based on regulations governing refusal to play.

While defensible within the rules, the contrast with the Nairobi United–Gor Mahia verdict has left many stakeholders questioning whether similar principles are being applied uniformly.

This is where the heart of the matter lies. Football governance cannot rely on discretion alone, especially in a league as competitive and emotionally charged as the SportPesa Premier League.

The rules governing abandoned matches, crowd disturbances and refusal to resume play exist precisely to remove ambiguity. They must be applied consistently, transparently and without fear or favour.

FKF’s responsibility goes beyond simply delivering verdicts; it must also ensure that those decisions are clearly explained and firmly anchored in the regulations. When clubs, fans and officials struggle to understand why one abandoned match is awarded as played while another is decided as a walkover, confidence in the system erodes.

Crowd unrest, which triggered one of the abandonments, remains a recurring problem that the federation must confront more decisively. 

Punishing clubs after the fact is not enough. Preventive measures, stricter stadium safety protocols and meaningful sanctions against repeat offenders are essential if player and fan safety is to be guaranteed. The referral of disciplinary matters to the FKF Disciplinary Committee is a necessary step, but it must result in firm, visible action to deter future incidents.

Equally important is the principle of sporting integrity. Whenever possible, matches should be decided on the pitch. Ordering the resumption of a halted match from the point of abandonment, or calling for a replay where circumstances allow, often feels like the fairest outcome. Administrative decisions, while sometimes unavoidable, should be the last resort — not the default solution.

As the league enters a decisive phase, with Gor Mahia leading on 37 points and several clubs locked in tight battles across the table, FKF’s rulings carry enormous weight. Every point matters, and every decision shapes the season's narrative.

Ultimately, this moment should serve as a reminder that football administration must be guided by the rulebook, not convenience or pressure. Clear rules, applied consistently, are the foundation of trust in the game. Without that trust, even the most competitive league risks losing credibility.

FKF now has an opportunity — and an obligation — to reinforce that principle. The rules are there. The challenge is to let them lead.