Shabana Football Club has filed an appeal before the Sports Dispute Tribunal (STD) seeking to stop the recent ban by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in relation to the violence and distribution of properties that were seen at the Ulinzi Complex last weekend.
Through city lawyers Dasntan Omari, Shadrack Wambui, Sam Nyaberi and Paul Macharia, they said the club will lose to over Sh500million per single match that they will play without their fans.
The lawyers made the remarks while addressing journalists today.
According to Omari, there was no any evidence linking Shaban FC fans to the distraction of properties at the Ulinzi stadium, including CCTV footage showing the chronological of the event.
“This direction is too punitive, none of the Shabana fans was invited to tell their story, and there is a plot to kill talent from the Gusiiland.” Omari said.
“As we speak hotels are booked, mama mbogas and all those who sell bananas will lose a lot of money of fans are banned, especially for those coming from the city. We are now calling for Dr. William Ruto, Cabinet Secretary for Sports Kipchumba Murkomen to intervene so that we can save this club from a group of cartels.” Omari added.
The match between the host Ulinzi who were at home against Shabana ended in 2 2 draw.
Yesterday, FKF chairman and cubs’ competition Michael Majua issued directives banning all Shabana FC fans from attending five matches as well as directing the club to cater for all medical expenses for the officers who were injured during the match at the Ulinzi Complex.
Yesterday, Shabana FC was handed a five-match ban, requiring the club to play its next five home games behind closed doors.
This penalty stems from the chaos that erupted at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday, September 22, 2024 where fans vandalised seats following a late equalizer during the 2-2 draw with Ulinzi Stars.
The situation escalated dramatically when Peter Glen scored a header in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Frustration among fans grew as they felt the match should have concluded before conceding the late goal.
A Mathew Tegisi brace had cancelled out a Staphod Odhiambo opener before Glen earned his team a point.
The incident prompted a referral to the FKF’s Leagues and Competitions Committee (LCC), which imposed strict sanctions on the Kisii-based club.
In addition to playing in an empty stadium, Shabana FC will also face the following consequences:
- Damages: The club must cover the repair costs for the damaged seats at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
- Medical Expenses: Shabana FC is required to compensate for the medical expenses of two officers who were injured during the incident.
Ulinzi Stars FC will provide the necessary receipts for these expenses, which must be paid by Shabana FC. The ban will take effect starting with their upcoming match against Posta Rangers on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Furthermore, the club is responsible for ensuring that its supporters comply with the imposed sanctions.
