Football Kenya Federation, Kenyan Premier League strike deal over Leopards, Sony tie

AFC Leopards Noah Wafula (left) celebrates his goal with Jacob Keli against Mathare United at Nyayo National Stadium in August. [PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD]

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) have reached an agreement over  the controversial match between Sony Sugar and AFC Leopards.

The match, which had been scheduled for this Thursday, will now be put off until AFC Leopards’ appeal is reviewed.

In a joint statement signed by KPL Chief Executive Jack Oguda and his FKF counter-part Michael Esakwa, after a meeting yesterday, the two said a deal had been reached to break the deadlock.

“The appellant in the matter of Sony Sugar v AFC Leopards should channel their grievances to the FKF appeals committee for a possible review of the judicial decision by the committee,” read the statement.

The meeting also ruled that the two officials be responsible for the referees’ appointment in the remaining three rounds of matches following the suspension of the referees appointing committee.

“We also agreed that the stadia safety committee be reconstituted to include members of FKF who will conduct inspection of Awendo Stadium and any other stadia for KPL matches.”

The meeting also announced the formation of an adhoc committee to review the performance of match officials. The committee comprises Glady’s Waweru, Juma Kalume and John Ngururi.

“We also proposed to implement change of football calendar with the involvement and participation of our sponsors and all stakeholders.

On Monday, AFC Leopards officials said they will not honour the match. AFC Leopards chairman Alan Kasavuli and Secretary General George Aladwa said they are standing by the initial verdict by KPL to award them three points after Sony Sugar failed to show up for the match which was to be played at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru in August .‎