Kariobangi Sharks’ fight to retain their place in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League was thrown into further uncertainty after their promotion-relegation playoff against Mombasa United was abandoned following a pitch invasion and an attack on referee John Sulwe at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee, chaired by Peter Kamau, is expected to handle the case.
The committee is expected to review the circumstances that led to the abandonment before issuing a decision that could determine which club plays in the Kenyan Premier League next season.
Sharks were leading 2-1 at Ulinzi Sports Complex when the match was stopped in the 66th minute. The score left the two teams level at 3-3 on aggregate after Mombasa United had won the first leg 2-1.
The match descended into chaos after referee John Sulwe awarded Mombasa United a penalty.
Kariobangi Sharks players protested the decision before supporters entered the pitch.
Sulwe was subsequently attacked and had to be escorted from the field by security personnel.
Kariobangi Sharks Relegation Threat Grows
The Leagues and Competitions Committee is expected to sit as soon as possible, potentially on Wednesday or Thursday, to establish what happened before and during the abandonment.
The committee is expected to rely on the match officials’ report, security reports and information from CAF Safety and Security Officers who were present at the venue.
The reports will help the committee establish the circumstances surrounding the pitch invasion, the attack on the referee and the failure to complete the match.
After reviewing the reports and other available information, the committee will decide on the fixture.
A key issue will be whether Kariobangi Sharks should be held responsible for the abandonment and what sanction should follow if the club is found liable.
Previous FKF cases show that abandonment does not automatically result in a replay.
In 2025, AFC Leopards forfeited their FKF Cup match against Mara Sugar after supporters invaded the pitch, with Mara Sugar awarded the tie.
In 2026, FKF awarded Murang’a SEAL a 2-0 win after Ulinzi Stars refused to resume play.
The outcome has depended on which side was found responsible for the abandonment.
Referee Appointment Under Scrutiny
The controversy surrounding the playoff did not begin with the penalty decision.
Questions had already been raised before kickoff over the appointment of referee John Sulwe and assistant referee Jane Cherono for a match carrying enormous consequences for both clubs.
Gor Mahia official Sally Bolo publicly questioned the appointments, arguing that Sulwe had handled a limited number of top-flight matches over the past two seasons.
Bolo also pointed to Cherono’s previous suspension and subsequent demotion to the National Super League, questioning whether the officiating team was suitable for a fixture that would determine who plays in the FKF Premier League next season.
Those concerns remained in the background until the controversial penalty decision brought officiating into sharp focus.
Security personnel were forced to intervene as tensions flared, eventually leading to the abandonment of the game before the penalty could be taken.
FKF currently has no operational Disciplinary and Appeals Committees.
This could affect the next stage if Sharks challenge the decision made by the Leagues and Competitions Committee.
If Sharks contest the ruling, the club could seek recourse through the Sports Disputes Tribunal or the High Court.
If Sharks decide not to challenge the decision, Mombasa United would take their place in the Premier League while Sharks would drop into the National Super League.
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