The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee has officially ruled on the abandoned play-off match between Kariobangi Sharks FC and Mombasa United FC, declaring Mombasa United aggregate play-off winners and granting them promotion to the SportPesa Premier League for the 2026/2027 season.
The decision follows an official hearing held on Friday, October 9, 2026, chaired by Mr. Peter Kamau Chege.
The session reviewed the second-leg play-off fixture played on October 6, 2026, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, which was organized under court order.
According to official match reports and testimony presented to the committee, the match descended into chaos in the 64th minute.
Tensions escalated when Kariobangi Sharks FC players confronted the center referee following a penalty awarded to Mombasa United FC.
The situation deteriorated as Kariobangi Sharks Kit Manager, Patrick Paul Otieno, alongside a section of Sharks supporters, invaded the field of play and physically assaulted the match referee.
Medical personnel assessed the referee on-site, after which he declared himself physically unfit to continue, prompting the match commissioner to call off the fixture.
The assault was subsequently reported to the authorities under at Langata Police Station
Pursuant to Articles 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 of the Rules & Regulations Governing Kenyan Football (2019), the FKF Committee issued the following binding determinations:
Match Forfeiture:
Kariobangi Sharks FC forfeits the match, with a 2-0 victory awarded to Mombasa United FC.
League Promotion:
Mombasa United FC are officially declared aggregate play-off winners and secure promotion to the SportPesa League for the 2026/2027 season.
Disciplinary Referral:
The acts of violence and pitch invasion have been referred to the FKF Disciplinary Committee for prosecution and further individual sanctions.
This ruling brings clarity to the top-flight qualification battle in Kenya, delivering a massive boost to Mombasa United while leaving Kariobangi Sharks facing legal and disciplinary repercussions.
The ruling also means that Mombasa United will play their first ever top league match at home when they host Kakamega Homeboyz next week in Mombasa.
