Mombasa United Earn SportPesa League Promotion After FKF Awards Forfeit Win Against Kariobangi Sharks
Mombasa United have been declared the aggregate play-off winners and promoted to the SportPesa League for the 2026/2027 season after Kariobangi Sharks forfeited their decisive match following violence against the centre referee.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee ruled on Friday, October 9, 2026, that Kariobangi Sharks forfeited the match, awarding Mombasa United a 2-0 victory.
The decision follows the abandonment of the fixture in the 64th minute after Kariobangi Sharks players confronted the centre referee over his decision to award a penalty to Mombasa United.
According to the committee’s findings, the situation escalated when Kariobangi Sharks kit manager Patrick Paul Otieno, alongside a section of the club’s supporters, invaded the pitch and physically assaulted the referee.
The injured official was subsequently assessed by the medical team but informed the match commissioner that he was unable to continue officiating, forcing the match to be called off.
The incident was later reported at Lang’ata Police Station under Occurrence Book number 56/6/10/2026, according to the FKF ruling.
In its decision, the committee said the match abandonment resulted from the conduct of Kariobangi Sharks players and supporters, finding the club responsible for the disruption.
The committee cited Articles 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 of the Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football (2019) in ordering the forfeiture and awarding Mombasa United the match on a 2-0 scoreline.
Mombasa United Secure Top-Flight Return
The ruling confirms Mombasa United as the aggregate play-off winners, securing their promotion to the top flight for the 2026/2027 campaign.
The promotion marks a major boost for the coastal side, which will now prepare for the challenges of competing in the country’s top-tier football competition.
Meanwhile, Kariobangi Sharks face the prospect of further disciplinary action following the violence and misconduct reported during the fixture.
The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee referred the incidents to the federation’s Disciplinary Committee for prosecution and possible sanctions.
The disciplinary proceedings could result in additional penalties against those found responsible for the reported assault and other acts of misconduct.
The decision was signed by Peter Kamau Chege on behalf of the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee in Nairobi on October 9, 2026.
