Embattled Football Kenya Federation Division One side Olympic Pirates are set to be relegated after handing over a third straight walkover this weekend.Pirates, who have been experiencing financial challenges for the better part of the season, were a no-show for their match against Malindi United at Alaskan Grounds in Malindi on Sunday.##NAJAVA_MECA_7881776##Having handed two straight walkovers to Ruiru Hotstars and Young Bulls, Pirates could not afford to miss Sunday’s clash as it would spell doom for their stay in the third division after two seasons but the worst came to be and they will now face the axe, as per the rules governing football in the country.According to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) rules, a team that gives three walkovers in the same season faces direct relegation.“A club failing to turn up for any league/competition match shall submit a written explanation to the FKF National Leagues & Competitions Committee within forty-eight (48) hours from the date of the match,” reads Rule 3.1.7. of FKF under the Fixtures Management and Fulfilment section.“In respect of Rule 3.1.7. above, lack of finances shall not be considered an acceptable reason by the FKF.“In case of withdrawal and/or deliberate refusal to honor engagements, the club shall be confirmed demoted and may be subject to further disciplinary action. “Any club in a league format that does not turn up for three (3) fixtures in a season and their explanation, under Rule 3.1.7. is not accepted in all three (3) incidences to the FKF National Leagues and Competitions Committee, shall be suspended for the rest of the season, shall be relegated to a lower league for the next season, and may face other disciplinary action.”EXCLUSIVE: Darajani Gogo set to appoint William Oricho as assistant coachWith Pirates goose already cooked and only awaiting confirmation, the club’s hierarchy has turned pointing fingers at the Isiolo County Government who they accuse of neglecting the only team playing in a more advanced league in the entire region.A member of the management who spoke to Mozzart Sport noted that the county stopped their sponsorship indefinitely at the start of the season sending fears across the playing unit that felt demoralized and stopped fighting for the badge.He laments that the local leaders and the community have left a local club meant to uplift talents in the region go under the rocks at their watch.”It is sad that this has happened and Isiolo government couldn’t salvage the situation. We are the only team representing Northern Region – Isiolo, Marsabit, Moyale Wajir, Garissa, and Tana River in National Division One,” lamented the club official who sought anonymity. Mozzart Sport understands the club has since broken camp with players moving to take part in one of the local tournaments set to start in the entire mountain region while head coach Martin Mutembei is expected to assume his role as assistant coach to Evans Mafuta at Mwatate United once cleared by FKF to commence league matches.AFCON 2025: Kenya set to learn of opponents on Tuesday
