Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir (R), Mombasa United president Abdirahman Hussein (C) and FKF Mombasa Chairman Alamin Ahmed Abdalla (L) during the gala ceremony held at Afraha Hall, Serani on Thursday./Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) officials have insisted
there will be no promotion and relegation playoff involving Mombasa United,
maintaining that the coastal club rightfully earned their place in next season's
SportPesa League under regulations agreed before the start of the
2025/26 campaign.
The assurance came during a gala ceremony in Mombasa held to celebrate Mombasa United's promotion to the top flight and Marine Queens' elevation to the Women's National Super League, even as uncertainty continues over a case pending before the Sports Disputes Tribunal.
FKF Mombasa Branch chairman Alamin Ahmed Abdalla said the federation's position remains unchanged, insisting the season's promotion and relegation rules were agreed upon by all stakeholders before the league kicked off.
"Everything was put in the open that three teams would be relegated and three teams from the National Super League would be promoted. We will stand by that. There is no playoff that we will allow unless the entire 2025/26 season is declared null and void, and that cannot happen," Alamin said.
FKF Kwale Branch chairman Hamisi Mwaokoja echoed those sentiments, saying the new season should begin with the three promoted NSL clubs replacing the three relegated sides.
Mombasa United president Abdirahman Hussein, popularly known as "Anza Fresh", also expressed confidence that the club will feature in the top flight despite the ongoing legal process.
"There is a case before the Sports Tribunal and it would not be appropriate to comment on matters before the court. However, I can assure our supporters that Mombasa United will play in the Premier League next season. We earned promotion under the rules that were communicated before the season began," he said.
Promotion will see Mombasa United join Bandari as the second coast-based club in the top flight, a development football stakeholders believe will create more opportunities for players from the region while boosting the local economy through increased sporting activity.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir reaffirmed the county's commitment to sports infrastructure, revealing that Mombasa Stadium has been handed over to the national government for completion while Fifa-standard facilities are under construction at Ziwani and Mwahima to support talent development and preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mombasa United are expected to begin pre-season training next week and strengthen their squad ahead of what will be the club's maiden SportPesa League campaign.
