Nairobi United wins big as STD nullifies FKF decision on abandoned match against Gor Mahia

Nairobi United has received a reprive after the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) nullified the decision by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee which had awarded Nairobi United and Gor Mahia one point each following the abandonment of their match in the 58th minute last December. Nairobi United had appealed the FKF decision which arose from chaotic scenes where Gor Mahia fans invaded the pitch after Nairobi United drew level with Gor Mahia in the 58th minute at Dandora Stadium. The Tribunal has now referred the dispute back to the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee for a fresh and fair hearing. The tribunal directed that the matter be determined under the 2019 rules, and not the 2025 regulations which the Committee relied on in its earlier ruling. The SDT directed the Committee hear the case again and give a fresh verdict in the next five days meaning they to deliver a new decision, with a deadline set for next Friday. In the rulling, the SDT ruled that the FKF Disciplinary Committee, in its current form, is illegal and cannot adjudicate any matters because it has not been ratified by the FKF General Assembly. It rulled that FKF had committed an error by taking the case through a disciplinary committee that was not properly ratified and therefore its decisions are not valid calling for a re-hearing of the matter. The FKFDC and FKFAC as currently constituted was been declared illegal and their appointment done in contravention of the FKF Constitution. The Appointments of membership of the said judicial bodies have to be ratified by the FKFAGM and FKF has been ordered to so do within the next 60 days. Nairobi United moved to the SDT to challenge a ruling that declared their abandoned match against Gor Mahia a draw. Chaos marred the League match last December leading to the abandonment midway through the second half at Dandora Stadium, forcing league officials to intervene. The match was called off in the 58th minute with the score tied at 1-1 after crowd unrest erupted in the stands. According to match officials, objects were thrown onto the pitch, creating an unsafe environment for players and match officials. Despite efforts by security personnel to restore order, the center referee made the decision to abandon the fixture in consultation with security officers.