National Super League side Mathare United have been handed a big boost towards their already looming promotion to the FKF Premier League next season after being awarded two more points to their current tally by the FKF League and Competitions Committee on Thursday.This follows the conclusion of an appeal process brought to the committee by the Slum Boys, who lodged a complaint alleging that Rainbow FC, in their match with Mathare on 26 May 2024, fielded two ineligible technical staff members on their technical bench.##NAJAVA_MECA_8154921##The complaint, which Mozzart Sport confirmed came from Mathare United CEO Jactone Obure, indicated that both Rainbow FC Technical Director Stanley Okumbi and Goalkeeper Trainer Caleb Otieno, were present on the bench despite being issued straight red cards in their game against Mara Sugar on 21 May for abusive language towards referees.Upon receipt of the investigations, Rainbow, who settled for a barren draw with Mathare in the said match, contested the claim, indicating that it was not Otieno who had been sent off, but team driver and kit manager Gabriel Otieno.The Leagues and Competitions Committee on doing their investigation following a virtual meeting on 6 June, however found Rainbow’s counter-claim incorrect, and after going through pictorial evidence provided on 9 June, confirmed that the individual sent off alongside Okumbi was Lawrence Suji, another member of the technical bench.
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With both names appearing in the proceeding match against Mathare, the FKF Committee then correctly applied Rule 4.1.22 of the 2019 FKF Rules governing the ineligibility period of players or club officials sent off in matches, finding a breach by Rainbow FC for not taking the required responsibility.As a result, the club was judged to have automatically forfeited the match, with Mathare United officially awarded three points on a 0-2 basis.“You are reminded of the importance of maintaining accurate records of cards and other match statistics to prevent future discrepancies and ensure compliance with FKF regulations,” a letter by the Head of Leagues and Competitions Committee Doreen Nabwire read. “Please note that any similar infractions in the future will result in further sanctions as determined by the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee.”Mateiko, Chebet lead Team Kenya 10,000m squad to ParisWith the changes, Mathare United remain in second position with 76 points and with a nine point lead over Naivas. What that means in the race for promotion is that the Slum Boys need just a point in their next three matches to mark a return to the top-flight after a year out.Rainbow on the other hand drop to 10th.
