•TC promised to communicate new dates in the coming days.
•The decision comes exactly a week after 12 representatives of the Kenyan Premier League caucus met and decided to spurn all competitions that lack the blessings of the world football governing body, Fifa.
Image: ERICK BARASA.JPG
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Transition Committee on Friday announced the postponement of the 2022-2023 FKF Premier League season for the third time in a month.
In a statement signed by chairman Maurice Oyugi, the TC said its decision had been informed by the cloud of uncertainty surrounding Kenyan football.
“Please note that the kick-off of the 2022/2023 league season has been postponed to a date that will be communicated soon,” the statement read in part.
“The committee has received several requests from clubs to postpone the league until the uncertainty surrounding the league is addressed," reads a statement by the committee. TC promised to communicate new dates in the coming days.
"The committee would like to inform clubs that the request has been granted and the league kick-off date will be communicated once all stakeholders agree on a way forward. We thank you for your continued support and understanding.”
The decision comes exactly a week after 12 representatives of the Kenyan Premier League caucus met and decided to spurn all competitions that lack the blessings of the world football governing body, Fifa.
The clubs were reacting to an earlier statement released by the Committee's head of secretariat, Linda Oguttu, that communicated the new dates for the Kenyan Premier League season.
Oguttu noted they had decided to postpone the league given a significant number of clubs that had requested to participate in the Kecoso games.
Nairobi City Stars chief executive officer, Patrick Korir, said they were trying to avoid a repeat of last season's scenario where Tusker's successful title hunt counted for nothing after they were barred from the international stage.
“We don't want a similar situation to happen in the future. That's why we are keen to have a league that is recognised by Fifa,” Korir said.
“Clubs have been preparing for the new season, but we have seen a lot of confusion surrounding the league dates,” he added.
“We will only be certain of the kick-off date the day a Fifa sanctioned football body will be put in place,” Korir said
“We have unanimously resolved as KPL clubs that the teams will not take part in any competition that is not recognized by Fifa because it is a waste of investment and time and very little returns coming through,” said a statement read by Gor Mahia chief executive officer, Raymond Oruo.
“What we are saying is that the 18 clubs of the Premier League have decided that we will only play the 2022-2023 season in a properly sanctioned Fifa league because that is the only way our teams and players are going to benefit,” said Oruo.
Fifa handed Kenya a suspension owing to third-party interference.
The Mwendwa-led FKF administration was ejected from office last November by Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed who subsequently constituted a caretaker committee to run football in the country.
The CS said her decision was informed by grave allegations of graft facing the expelled office.
Amina's decision led to Kenya's suspension from the international stage by the world football governing body, Fifa.
Fifa demanded Mwendwa's reinstatement as a precondition for lifting the ban.
On September 8, Mwendwa caused a stir when he penned a letter to Fifa President Gianni Infantino, expressing his desire to reclaim FKF leadership.
Days later, he stormed the FKF offices at Goal Project in Kasarani, claiming he had regained the federation's leadership.