The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has given the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) ten days to respond to a case filed by KCCA FC. The case revolves around the eligibility of KCCA’s defender, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, during a 2-0 victory over Mbarara City FC on January 7.
The FUFA Disciplinary Panel ruled that Kizito was ineligible due to accumulation of three yellow cards, resulting in KCCA forfeiting the match and being penalized with the deduction of three points and three goals.
However, KCCA FC disputes the ruling, stating that they had received clearance from the Uganda Premier League (UPL) Secretariat, which indicated that Kizito had only accumulated two yellow cards, and thus was eligible to play. The case is now set to be reviewed by CAS, which will determine the outcome.
The Appeals Committee has upheld the FUFA Disciplinary Panel’s decision, reinforcing that it is the responsibility of the club to ensure player eligibility, even though Article 43 (13) (a) and (c) of the competition rules designate the FUFA Competitions Department as the official registry for cautions, send-offs, fines, and sanctions.
After FUFA submits its defense, both KCCA and FUFA may present additional evidence and arguments. A panel will be convened to hear the case, where both parties can present their evidence and witnesses. Following this, CAS will deliver a ruling. For appeals, CAS must make a decision within three months, while an ordinary procedure may take 6 to 12 months.
