Kariobangi Sharks have received a major boost in their fight to remain in the Sportpesa League after the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) issued interim orders stopping Football Kenya Federation (FKF) from implementing their relegation.
The ruling marks the latest twist in a dispute that has attracted significant attention following FKF’s decision to abolish the traditional promotion and relegation playoff system as part of a wider league restructuring plan for 2025/26 season and beyond . Under the new framework, clubs occupying relegation positions (16th,/17th and 18th) were set to drop directly, while promotion places would be determined automatically.
Sharks, however, challenged the move , arguing that the mandatory end-of-season playoff had not been conducted. The club moved to the Sports Disputes Tribunal seeking urgent intervention to prevent FKF from enforcing the decision before the matter is fully heard and determined.
In directions issued by Deputy Chairperson Allan Mola Owinyi, the Tribunal certified the matter as urgent and granted temporary relief in favour of the club. The orders prevent FKF from implementing the decision that would automatically relegate Kariobangi Sharks from the Sportpesa League
Kariobangi Sharks finished the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season in 16th position with 38 points, a spot that under the 2019 regulations would require participation in a promotion/relegation play-off rather than automatic relegation.
The Tribunal further restrained FKF , NEC or LCC (Leagues and Competition committee) from finalizing, announcing, or publishing the composition of the 2026/27 Sportpesa League in a manner that excludes Sharks. The federation has also been barred from taking any steps that treat the club’s relegation as final pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The decision effectively freezes the situation and leaves uncertainty over the final composition of next season’s top-flight league. It also raises fresh questions about the implementation of FKF’s league reforms, which have already triggered debate among clubs and stakeholders across the football fraternity with many welcoming the abolishment of Relegation/ promotion playoffs proposed at the beginning of the season.
FKF has been directed to file its response to the petition before the Tribunal, while Kariobangi Sharks will have an opportunity to reply before the matter returns for further directions.
For now, Sharks remain alive in their battle to retain Sportpesa League status awaiting playoffs, with the Tribunal’s intervention ensuring that no irreversible action is taken before all parties are heard. The outcome of the case could have significant implications not only for the club but also for the broader restructuring of Kenyan football leagues and the future application of promotion and relegation rules.
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