Chaos as Kenyan promotion playoff abandoned after penalty controversy

This uncertainty complicates the unresolved promotion and relegation battle in Kenyan football, threatening to further delay the start of the 2026/2027 Kenya Premier League season.

Bonface Osano, Marabou News Agency

Kariobangi Sharks’ promotion-relegation playoff against Mombasa United was abandoned in the 65th minute on Tuesday, after a penalty decision triggered protests, a pitch invasion and an assault on referee John Sulwe.

The match at Ulinzi Sports Complex was level at 2-2 on aggregate at the time of the incident, with Sharks leading 2-1 on the day.

Mombasa United had taken an early lead through Jamal Oporia, who headed home in the 12th minute to extend his side’s aggregate advantage to 3-1, following their 2-1 victory in the first leg at Mbaraki Sports Club on October 1.

Sharks responded through captain Patila Omotto, who equalised in the 28th minute with a direct free-kick from about 20 yards. Seven minutes later, Douglas Omanga completed the comeback, putting Sharks 2-1 ahead and bringing the aggregate score to 3-3.

The match remained tense, with Sharks coach William Muluya being sent off in the 60th minute. Five minutes later, referee John Sulwe awarded Mombasa United a penalty after an incident inside the Sharks box.

The decision was met by strong protests from Sharks players, members of the technical bench and fans. The situation escalated as Sharks players surrounded the referee, while supporters breached the security cordon and entered the pitch.

Security officers intervened and escorted Sulwe from the field, forcing the match to be abandoned. Mombasa United coach Abdulhamid Moallin said his team believed there had been contact inside the box and that the referee was entitled to award the penalty

He condemned the violence and said the promotion contest should be decided on the football pitch. The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee is expected to determine the outcome of the abandoned match.

However, the dispute could take another turn if either side challenges the committee’s decision.

FKF currently has no operational Judicial bodies, including its Disciplinary and Appeals committees, meaning a further dispute could be referred to the Sports Disputes Tribunal.

This uncertainty complicates the unresolved promotion and relegation battle in Kenyan football, threatening to further delay the start of the 2026/2027 Kenya Premier League season, which was set to commence on Friday, October 09.

Marabou News Agency

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