Kenya: Season postponed indefinitely after two court rulings

The Kenyan Football Federation (FKF) has postponed the start of the SportPesa League 2026-2027 until further notice, which was set to begin this Saturday, September 19. The decision came just hours before the first matches, following new court orders regarding the league’s composition and promotion-relegation rules.

In a notification sent to clubs and partners, the FKF stated that the kick-off is “postponed until further notice” and that more comprehensive communication will follow. No new schedule has been announced. Four matches were planned for Saturday, including Gor Mahia vs. Murang’a Seal and Ulinzi Stars vs. Tusker, with additional fixtures set for Sunday.

The impasse follows two separate rulings reported by Kenyan media. The High Court in Murang’a ordered that the season should not commence until the dispute over a promotion-relegation playoff involving Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United is resolved. Another proceeding in Kiambu instructed the FKF to provisionally include Mombasa United as the 18th club.

The federation had confirmed on September 16 that the season would start on September 19, following a meeting with clubs that established the quota for foreign players and medical requirements on match days. This restart was intended to end several weeks of disagreements over the regulations applicable to the new season.

Clubs began notifying their supporters as early as Saturday morning. Gor Mahia announced that tickets already purchased would remain valid for the rescheduled match, while AFC Leopards indicated that fans of their match against Bandari would be informed about the refund process.