Oguda differs with Mwendwa on fate of league
Kenya Premier League (KPL) Chief Executive Jack Oguda insists it is the league governing body that will have the final word on the fate of the top flight and not Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
FKF president Nick Mwendwa has hinted at a possible cancellation of the KPL and second tier National Super League (NSL)—which are currently suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic—and award leaders Gor Mahia and Nairobi City Stars the title.
“There are laws and regulations in Kenya governing the game and we will strive to abide by them fully.
In the case of KPL, we understand the situation and seeing as the close of the season is nearing and a new calendar set to begin by August, we will have to go by the standings,” Mwendwa said in a TV interview last weekend.
He added: “For example, if 75 per cent of the season was attained before stoppage, then the league leaders at the point should be declared winners in Kenya Premier League and National Super League.
However, if that threshold was not met, then as at mid-season, the leaders will be declared champions.
Next month, we will reassess the situation and talk to all stakeholders on the way forward.”
Oguda has, however, warned against rushing decisions of such magnitude since the government and Fifa have not made a decision on the matter.
“This is an issue that has been raised in all quarters and we acknowledge the interests.
However, we will only make a full proof decision once the Governing Council of the KPL sit and agree on the approach as the top decision-making organ,” Oguda told People Sport on phone yesterday.
“We appreciate the rules of the game in Kenya but we also are aware Fifa has not pronounced itself on the matter.
The current world practice is indefinite suspensions of leagues so we believe that Fifa will readjust the international calendar for purposes of continuity.
In the meantime, we stay put and await government’s directives,” added Oguda.
