By Gran Chico | March 6, 2026 — Nairobi, Kenya
The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) has overturned a decision by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to declare the abandoned December 2025 match between Nairobi United and Gor Mahia a 1-1 draw.
In its ruling delivered on Friday afternoon, the tribunal annulled FKF’s earlier decision and directed the federation to reconsider the case and deliver a fresh judgment within five working days.
The dispute relates to Match No. 132 of the FKF Premier League, which was played at Dandora Stadium on December 21, 2025. The match was abandoned in the 58th minute following crowd disturbances while the score stood at 1-1.
FKF’s Leagues and Competitions Committee had initially ruled that the match was abandoned due to force majeure—circumstances beyond the control of the organisers—and awarded each team one point without ordering a replay.
However, Nairobi United challenged the decision, arguing that the abandonment resulted from inadequate security and lack of proper medical preparedness at the venue. The club maintained that the circumstances justified either a replay of the match or awarding them the points.
The club escalated the matter to the Sports Disputes Tribunal in February 2026 and obtained a temporary injunction suspending FKF’s ruling and any related disciplinary actions against them.
The tribunal’s decision is seen as a significant win for Nairobi United and places the matter back before FKF for reconsideration. Depending on the new ruling, the outcome could affect league standings or force a replay that may disrupt the league schedule.
For Gor Mahia, one of the perennial contenders in the FKF Premier League title race, the final decision could carry major implications.
The case also highlights ongoing governance challenges within Kenyan football, particularly in areas such as crowd control, match security, and dispute resolution procedures.
