AFC leopards and FKF have sorted out their row amicably
Kenyan Premier League side AFC Leopards have released a statement confirming truce with football governing body FKF ahead of the much-awaited derby against arch-rivals Gor Mahia on Sunday at the Nyayo Stadium.
A short message by the National Executive Committee read:
"We are please to announce that, thanks to the ministry of Sports, the differences between AFC leopards and FKF have been ironed out amicably. We are happy to inform you that we have resolved all the issues that were causing concern, and we are now continuing to move forward "
Earlier on Saturday, the club were hosted for a breakfast meeting by the Cabinet Secretary for ICT Mr. Eliud Owalo that was also was attended by Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Mr. Ababu Namwamba.
A faction of AFC leropards fans had called for a boycott of the Mashemeji derby owing to the “unfair treatment” by FKF. In their call, the aggrieved group posted on social media:
“Branches and AFC Leopards SC fans/ supporters/ followers have sacrificed alot to ensure they get to the stadium for the love of the game... On the other hand FKF has done absolutely nothing to encourage fans back to the stands.”
“They have failed in professionalizing and marketing our league hence clubs are going through some serious financial problems to honour their league matches. But instead of the Federation trying to cushion clubs they are keen on settling non existance scores with punitive penalties against clubs like us.”
“Nothing much is done to rogue referees, who are killing the beautiful game with their fixed and biased officiating. “
“At this defining moment, we ask our members/fans/supporters not to attend the #MashemejiDerby to send a message to FKF that football without fans is not football.
The simmering row has been as a result of FKF docking Ingwe three points and a slap of Ksh 500,000 following chaos that resulted in the abandonment of AFC leopards match against Kakamega Homeboyz.
“The FKF-PL Round 25 match no. 222 has been awarded to Kakamega Homeboyz on a three (3) points-two (2) goals basis. However, AFC Leopards SC has been docked a further three (3) points from the already accumulated points”
Gor Mahia hosts AFC Leopards on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at the Nyayo National Stadium starting at 3 pm in the second leg of Mashemeji Derby this season, a match to be televised live on Azam TV.
Title chasers Gor Mahia will be out to collect maximum points from their rivals to keep check on Tusker FC who are two points behind and will have played Kariobangi Sharks before the Mashemeji clash. The first leg ended on a barren draw.