Sofapaka team pose for a group photo/ HANDOUT A storm is brewing at the heart of Kenyan football governance after a fan moved to the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) seeking sweeping orders that could freeze the application of the Football Kenya Federation’s revised competition rules and potentially disrupt the conclusion of the 2025/2026 season.
Irene Njeri Ndung’u has filed a case challenging the legality of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) rules and regulations governing Kenyan Football (Revised 2025), arguing that they were not properly approved by the General Assembly as required under the FKF Constitution and established governance procedures.
The matter, now set for mention on Tuesday next week, also seeks to bar Football Kenya Federation from relegating three clubs from the FKF Premier League until the dispute is fully heard and determined.
Ndung’u contends that the 2025 regulatory framework was introduced without full constitutional backing. In her application, she argues that “Article 6.3 of the FKF Constitution provides that: ‘All regulations governing competitions shall be approved by the General Assembly in accordance with due process and transparency.’”
She further relies on “Article 8.1, which states: ‘No competition rules shall take effect unless duly ratified by the competent authority of the Federation.’”
A third constitutional clause cited in her petition reads: “Article 10.4 provides that: ‘Any amendment to competition regulations must be communicated to stakeholders before implementation."
According to her, the revised 2025 rules fail to meet these thresholds, rendering them invalid for use in determining promotion, relegation, league standings, and other key sporting outcomes.
The case has thrown several FKF Premier League clubs into uncertainty, with Kariobangi Sharks among those whose top-flight survival now hangs in the balance.
Sharks, who dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Kenya Police, are now staring at a possible playoff or outright relegation depending on how the court interprets the applicable regulations.
Ulinzi Stars and Mathare United are also directly affected, with goal difference and final match outcomes expected to determine their fate if the current 3-up, 3-down system is upheld.
A fourth constitutional reference raised in the dispute reads: Article 12.2 states: "Promotion and relegation shall be determined strictly in accordance with the regulations communicated before the commencement of the season."
The federation has, however, maintained that the current system is valid and was properly communicated before the season kicked off. Insiders argue that even under the FKF 2019 Rules, the same promotion and relegation principles still apply.
A key provision often cited by FKF officials is Rule 2.7.1 of the FKF Regulations, which provides that: "The National Executive Committee shall determine the principles governing promotion and relegation."
The federation further leans on “Rule 2.7.2 which states: "Before the start of every season, the National Leagues and Competitions Committee shall announce the criteria for promotion and relegation and the number of clubs affected.
According to FKF, this requirement was met through official communication issued at the start of the 2025/2026 season, outlining a 3-up, 3-down structure for the Premier League and 4-up, 4-down for the National Super League.
At the centre of the legal and sporting debate is also the question of whether promotion playoffs should be introduced. Ndung’u argues that failure to adopt playoffs contradicts fair competition principles, while FKF insists the decision is discretionary.
The federation cites Rule 2.7.3, which provides that: "The National Leagues and Competitions Committee may institute end-of-season play-offs to determine promotion and relegation where it deems necessary."
The emphasis on the word “may” has been interpreted by FKF as granting discretion rather than obligation, meaning playoffs are optional and not mandatory.
A fifth constitutional reference raised in the ongoing debate reads: Article 14.6 states: "In the absence of express mandatory provisions, the Federation shall retain discretionary authority in the administration of competitions."
With the season reaching its climax, the SDT case has injected fresh uncertainty into league proceedings, raising the possibility of fixture disruption, delayed standings confirmation, and potential restructuring of relegation outcomes.
For clubs like Kariobangi Sharks, Ulinzi Stars, and Mathare United, the courtroom may now matter as much as the pitch, with their survival in the top flight now hanging on legal interpretation as much as results on the field.
