The sports dispute tribunal has issued orders staying the decision by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to ban Shabana Football Club fans from attending their next five matches.
The tribunal Chairman John Ohaga issued the orders pending the hearing and determination of an application filed by the club challenge the FKF decision.
“Stay of the ruling by the respondent dated 25th September 2024 be and is hereby granted pending hearing and determination of this application,” the tribunal ruled.
In addition, the tribunal certified the matter as urgent and directed the applicant to be serve the respondents immediately and in any event before close of business on Monday 30th September 2024.
Through lawyers Danstan Omari, Shadrack Wambui and Sam Nyaberi, Shabana FC moved before the Sports Dispute Tribunal to challenge the decision by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to ban their fans from attending their next five home matches.
The action follows fans’ unrest at Shabana’s game against Ulinzi Stars at Ulinzi stadium that saw destruction of chairs at the stadium on 22nd September 2024.
It is alleged that the chaos was caused by poor officiating by the referee, claims still under investigations.
The court head that the matter remains unresolved, and a conclusive determination has not been made regarding the circumstances that led to the incident.
Omari stated that the 5-match ban is disproportionate to the alleged offenses committed and risks unfairly penalizing the club for the actions of a minority of fans.
“The severity of the ban does not align with the club’s history, values, and commitment to sportsmanship and fair play,” Omari added.
