Africa-Press – Kenya. Football Kenya Federation have imposed hefty fines on Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards and suspended their chairmen after the clubs failed to honour a league match at Thika Stadium on Saturday.
The clubs gave the match a wide berth insisting they should first be paid their Betway Cup prize money before they can consider honouring the assignment.
Gor are set to receive Sh2 million from FKF as winners while Leopards expect Sh1 million.
The decision to snub the Mashemeji Derby has, however, turned out costly for the two traditional football giants given they will now have to part with even a higher figure.
FKF president Nick Mwendwa said AFC Leopards will bear the biggest brunt given they were the host team. Whereas AFC will pay Sh6 million, Gor Mahia have been fined Sh4 million.
“This is double default because both teams failed to honour the match. Following their conduct, both clubs will have three points deducted and the league standings updated effectively,” said Mwendwa.
The FKF honcho said the leagues and competitions committee met on Sunday morning and approved the decision.
“In the broadcasting contract, there are penalties if matches don’t take place. AFC Leopards have been fined Sh6million while Gor will pay damages amounting to Sh4 million,” said Mwendwa.
“The clubs have a right to appeal to the Appeals Committee. The clubs are further warned about their future conduct.”
“Interestingly, AFC Leopards had indicated the venue before they made a last-minute decision to snub the match. Instead of arriving at the match venue, both teams held a friendly match at Camp Toyoyo,” said Mwendwa.
Mwendwa said he was totally taken aback when Gor and AFC made good their threat, given he initially thought they were merely calling the bluff.
“I actually called Shikanda and warned him of the repercussions of missing matches but they chose to make good their threat to snub the match,” he said.
Mwendwa further said the FKF National Executive Committee met and considered action against AFC Leopards Dan Shikanda and his Gor Mahia counterpart Ambrose Rachier.
“The two officials wrote a joint statement indicating their clubs won’t be honouring Saturday’s match. That was totally uncalled for, given we had written to them on July 8 assuring them we will pay them on August 5,” said Mwendwa.
“The two officials have, therefore, been given provisional suspension and must step aside for the due process of law to be followed. The committee will seat to hear their appeal. FKF will not deal with them until their suspension is lifted.”
The FKF boss explained why they requested the two clubs to provide account details despite having transacted monetary business with them in the past.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia treasurer Dolphine Odhiambo has dismissed FKF’s decision to suspend Rachier, saying only club supporters had the express authority to take such action.
“We have a constitution protecting the tenure of our club officials and FKF have no mandate to force officials to step aside,” said Odhiambo.
