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Migori Youth FC’s quest for Premier League promotion takes a knock after appeal
Migori Youth FC striker Syphas Otieno during a past National Super League (NSL) match.
Migori Youth FC’s quest for historic promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) has suffered a major setback after they were deducted three points and two goals for fielding an ineligible player.
This decision by the Football Kenya Federation Appeals Committee (FKF-AC) follows Kabati Youth FC’s successful appeal against National Super League leaders Migori Youth, who they accused of fielding an ineligible player during their match on January 11. The case challenged an earlier decision by the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee (LCC) to award Migori maximum points.
Before these events unfolded, Migori Youth needed just one win from their remaining two matches to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League after 36 rounds of matches.
In their complaint, Kabati Youth questioned the player’s registration status and eligibility to play in the match.
The FKF Appeals Committee ruled in favour of Kabati Youth, awarding them the match and two goals.
In addition to the three points and two goals they were docked, Migori were also fined Sh100,000 as the player in question was suspended for three matches.
The decision was communicated to the clubs on Tuesday evening, with Migori confirming receipt.
“Migori Youth FC acknowledges the ruling issued by the FKF Appeals Committee concerning our club. While we respectfully disagree with the decision, we remain committed to the rule of law and the established dispute resolution mechanisms within football governance. We have full confidence in the available legal and regulatory processes and will pursue the appropriate channels to seek redress,” Migori said in a statement.
Migori Youth FC remain top of the table with 74 points, just one ahead of second-placed 3K FC.
'Excessive punishment'
Mombasa United remain in third place with 72 points, with two games to the end of the 2025/26 campaign. Migori’s management said the punishment was excessive and vowed to seek redress.
This case is similar to other NSL disputes in which the Sports Disputes Tribunal has overturned FKF committee decisions due to procedural breaches.
Now, a single slip-up could prove too costly for Migori Youth, with 3K FC also sniffing out the title.
3K FC just need to win their remaining two matches, against the already relegated Mwatate United and Migori Youth, to win their first FKF-PL title and secure promotion to the Premier League. Mombasa United are also back in contention for the title, but they need to win all their remaining fixtures and hope that either Migori or 3K FC drop points.
This weekend, in the penultimate round of fixtures, Migori Youth will host another title-chasing side, Equity FC, at the Awendo Green Stadium on Sunday, before travelling to Embu to play 3K FC in their final league match.
Equity are fourth with 71 points, and thanks to the ruling, they are also in the race for the title. If they beat Migori in Awendo, they will be level with them, setting up a tense finale to the league.
Based on their previous performances, Mombasa United are favourites to beat Nzoia Sugar and Naivas FC, who they will play in their final two matches.
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