Gucha Stars’ hopes of playing in the National Super League (NSL) next season have been dashed after Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Appeals Committee upheld sanctions against the club for fielding an ineligible player during a crucial Division One match.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsIn a ruling delivered on May 23, 2025, the FKF Leagues and Competition Committee ruled that Gucha Stars breached FKF Rules and Regulations by deploying Eugene Nyakaga.Later, it was revealed that he was an unregistered player impersonating someone else, during their fixture against Nakuru Bucks.##NAJAVA_MECA_8952852##The case stemmed from a protest filed by Bucks on April 21, two days after the match.Although the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee initially admitted the protest under Rule 10.2.3, the Appeals Committee clarified that the correct provision, Rule 10.2.2, which covers player eligibility, requires protests to be filed before kickoff and signed by both team officials and the match referee.These procedural steps were not followed.Gucha Stars promotion to NSL nullified over fielding ineligible playerFurther confusion arose when the initial protest was retracted on May 19, but the retraction lacked a signature and was therefore deemed invalid by the Appeals Committee.Despite setting aside the initial ruling due to lack of jurisdiction, the Appeals Committee made it clear that the breach was too grave to ignore.Investigations revealed that the player in question, Bildad Marube, took to the field under Nyakaga’s name, a violation of Rule 6.2.11, which outlaws the use of false information in player registration.Marube also admitted he was not registered on the FIFA Connect system.Joseph Okumu’s Reims relegated after playoff heartbreak against MetzThe Committee dismissed Gucha Stars’ argument attempting to differentiate between “Bildad Peter” and “Bildad Peter Marube,” stating both names referred to the same individual.As a result, the match was forfeited 3-0 in favor of Nakuru Bucks, and FKF has being instructed to prosecute Marube before its Disciplinary Committee”i) THAT the Appeal dated 26th May 2025 is partially upheld as follows:I) The Respondent is found to have no jurisdiction to make the Ruling of 23rd May 2025 and it is set aside.II) The Appellant is sanctioned to forfeiture of Match of 19th April 2025 against Nakuru Bucks FC on a 3 points, 3-0 goal for violation of Rule 6.2.11 of the FKF Rules and Regulations Governing Football in Kenya.III) Each Party to bear its costs,” read part of the ruling.Harambee Stars forward bows out of Iran with silverware as Esteghlal clinch Hazfi CupThe Appeals Committee emphasized that clubs cannot benefit from deliberate rule-breaking under the pretense of procedural errors.With the ruling, Soy United secures automatic promotion to the NSL, marking their return after four years, while Compel SC will contest the promotion playoffs. Gucha Stars, meanwhile, will have to regroup and try again next season.
