Former National Super League (NSL) side Mwatate United have won a legal case to be reinstated to the second tier after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) suspended Dimba Patriots FC from the NSL, effective immediately.The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee made this decision on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, ending a long-standing dispute between the two teams. Dimba Patriots fought to keep their spot in the league but lost after court battles and FKF hearings.##NAJAVA_MECA_8773582##”The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirms the immediate suspension of Dimba Patriots FC from the FKF National Super League (NSL),” the FKF said in a statement.The statement also mentioned that Mwatate United will return to the NSL for the 2025/2026 season, but only if they meet registration and licensing requirements.“Mwatate United still has to fulfill these requirements before fully rejoining the league.” FKF emphasized its dedication to fair decision-making and keeping the league’s integrity intact.STARS ABROAD: Harambee Stars prospect features for Bristol City as Kenyan duo score in TanzaniaThe conflict between Mwatate United and Dimba Patriots began in late 2023. Dimba allegedly took over Mwatate’s NSL position illegally through a controversial merger approved by FKF in September 2023.The merger, led by Mwatate’s former chairman James Okoyo, who has since passed away, involved selling the team to Dimba Patriots and moving it from Wundanyi to Nairobi, with new chairman Dickson Arudo.However, Okoyo reportedly made the sale without consulting other club officials or the community. As a result, in late 2023, these officials took the case to the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) to challenge the merger.CAF President Motsepe sends urgent message to Benni McCarthy after Harambee Stars appointment [VIDEO]In February 2024, the SDT ruled in favor of Mwatate United, canceling the merger due to irregularities and ordering FKF to reinstate Mwatate into the league. The tribunal also gave Mwatate the right to register players on behalf of Dimba through the FIFA Connect system.However, FKF’s initial response to the ruling caused controversy. Dimba Patriots continued playing in the league after FKF received documents, allegedly from Mwatate members, saying the dispute was resolved internally.Mwatate, led by chairman Suleiman Mwabindo, disputed these documents and accused FKF of ignoring the SDT’s ruling.In April 2024, Mwatate United filed a case at the Wundanyi High Court, asking the court to enforce the tribunal’s orders. They wanted to be reinstated into the NSL, get access to the FIFA Connect system, and declare that the sale of the team to Dimba without community approval broke FKF rules.8 big omissions from Benni McCarthy’s first Harambee Stars squadDimba also went to court and got temporary orders that allowed them to keep playing in the league until the matter was heard and determined; the court recently ruled in favor of Mwatate.FKF has acted on the court order by expelling Dimba and reinstating Mwatate, who will join the league next season.WPL Preview: Police looking to firm grip on summit as Wadadia stare at relegation
