The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) could now be legally compelled to compensate players it suspended over match-fixing allegations, after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) delivered a landmark ruling in favour of defender Lennox Ogutu, calling the federation’s prolonged disciplinary process a “denial of justice.”Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news Ogutu, formerly of Mathare United and now a Nairobi United FC player, was provisionally suspended by FKF in February 2023 over alleged match-fixing.The ban lasted over two years without a formal hearing or evidence being presented—a direct violation of FIFA regulations, which stipulate that provisional suspensions should not exceed 90 days.##NAJAVA_MECA_8859998##Despite repeated requests from Ogutu’s legal team for case details or a timeline, FKF remained silent for 18 months. In March 2024, the only communication came via WhatsApp, summoning him for an appearance before an FKF Investigation Officer, but no follow-up was done.Having exhausted all avenues locally, Ogutu took his case to CAS, which ruled in his favour. The court not only lifted his suspension but also declared FKF’s handling of the matter a breach of his fundamental rights as a player.“The FKF never provided Ogutu with the case file or any evidence,” the CAS ruling stated. “The prolonged inaction resulted in an unjustified delay and exceeded the permissible duration of a provisional suspension.”Babu tips Rising Stars to shine at AFCON U20 despite being paired against giantsIn a precedent-setting move, CAS added that such mishandling opens the door for players to claim financial compensation from federations for lost income, reputation damage, and psychological suffering caused by indefinite suspensions without due process.This decision now sets a path for the over 30 other players currently serving indefinite suspensions in Kenya, many of whom were accused way before and under similar circumstances as Ogutu.Boost for Rising Stars as skipper finally arrives in campAmong the suspended are Hamidu Kwizera Lucas, Vincent Misikhu, Isaac Kipyegon, Alphonse Ndonye, Sammy Sindani Sabiri, and Michael Madoya—all of whom could now sue FKF if their suspensions were similarly mishandled. The ruling effectively means FKF could face a wave of compensation claims.Global player union FIFPRO welcomed the ruling, calling it a victory for fairness and a warning to federations worldwide.Homeboyz goalkeeper determined to cool Rising Stars heartbreak with Mozzart Bet Cup ‘Golden Glove’“Too many players do not have efficient access to justice due to malfunctioning internal systems,” said FIFPRO’s Senior Legal Counsel, Loïc Alves. “This CAS award is a clear reminder that federations must respect legislation and players’ fundamental rights.”Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) president James Situma described the ruling as a turning point for Kenyan football:“This is an important milestone. It highlights the need for FKF to overhaul its investigative and disciplinary procedures. Players cannot be condemned without trial.”Shabana coach bewildered by omission of red-hot club striker from Rising StarsSpeaking after the ruling, Ogutu expressed relief but lamented the toll of the ordeal.“It’s a true relief and the end of a long, unfair process. I went through strenuous mental and financial moments,” he said. “All I ever wanted was to be treated fairly and allowed to play football.”With CAS opening the door for financial redress, FKF may soon have to account not just for Ogutu’s case, but for others still trapped in a legal limbo.Legal experts suggest the federation could be exposed to millions in potential claims if systemic failures are proven in the handling of other cases.While the fight against match-fixing remains critical, the CAS ruling makes one thing clear: allegations must be investigated swiftly, transparently, and within the law.“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Situma added. “Players must be protected from both corruption and institutional negligence.”Vijago backs battle-ready Starlets for Cameroon clash
