The Football Kenya Federation has ruled in favour of Mombasa United following the abandonment of their play-off match against Kariobangi Sharks, awarding Mombasa a 2-0 victory and confirming their promotion for the 2026/27 season.
In a decision signed and delivered in Nairobi on October 9, 2026, the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee said it considered reports from match officials and other relevant parties, further submissions from the two clubs, as well as information provided by the match commissioner and FKF security officer.
The committee found that the match was disrupted in the 64th minute after Kariobangi Sharks players confronted the centre referee while protesting his decision to award a penalty to Mombasa United.
According to the committee's findings, Kariobangi Sharks player Patrick Paul Otieno, together with a section of supporters from the stands, subsequently entered the field of play and physically assaulted the centre referee.
The injured referee later informed the match commissioner that he was unable to continue officiating, leading to the match being called off.
FKF said the incident was subsequently reported at Langata Police Station under OB No. 56/6/10/2026.
After considering which party was responsible for the abandonment and the appropriate sporting consequences, the committee ruled that Kariobangi Sharks had caused the match to be abandoned.
Citing Articles 3.3.2(a) and 3.3.3 of the Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football (2019), FKF ordered Kariobangi Sharks to forfeit the fixture and awarded Mombasa United a 2-0 victory.
The ruling means Mombasa United have been declared the aggregate winners of the play-off and are promoted to the SportPesa League for the 2026/27 season.
The committee also referred matters relating to the reported violence and misconduct during the match to the FKF Disciplinary Committee for prosecution and any applicable sanctions.
