FKF Cup: AFC Leopards bundled out due to crowd chaos

AFC Leopards' Ovella Ochieng (center) with referees during FkF Premier League match against Kenya Police at Dandora Stadium. Dec 1, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

AFC Leopards has been disqualified from the FKF Cup following crowd disturbance that led to their Mozzart Bet Cup match against Mara Sugar FC being abandoned.

The highly anticipated game, played at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, on March 8, was abandoned in the 89th minute when AFC Leopards fans stormed the field in anger over the refereeing decision to overturn a penalty that had initially been awarded to their side.

Having investigated the commotion, the Football Kenya Federation Leagues and Competitions Committee found AFC Leopards guilty and, as a result, forfeited the game.

The victory went to Mara Sugar FC, who shall proceed to the tournament's next round. The decision was made in accordance with Article 6.4(iv) of the Mozzart Bet Cup Rules, as well as Article 3.5.6 of the FKF Rules & Regulations for Kenyan Football.

Aside from the direct expulsion, AFC Leopards received a firm warning for the misconduct of their fans and instructed to take affirmative action to avoid hooliganism in the upcoming games.

The FKF assured that it is committed to upholding discipline and fairness, with the statement that the full explanation on the ruling would be made available within 21 days.

This decision is a major set-back for the 13-time Kenyan champions, who had hoped to use the FKF Cup as a stepping stone back to continental football.

This is also the latest controversy to befall the club, which has had problems with fan incidents in the past few seasons.

Now that AFC Leopards are out, the focus will be on how the club handles fan antics to avoid the same destiny in the future.