Court Relegates Ex-FKF Cup Champions Kariobangi Sharks, Promotes Mombasa United
The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) has dismissed a case filed by the 2018 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup champions Kariobangi Sharks’ over their relegation to the National Super League (NSL).
The slum boys had lodged an appeal against their relegation on the basis of FKF’s promotion and relegation regulations that were enacted last year, arguing that there was no public participation to bring the new rule into being.
Sharks had further advanced that FKF’s National Executive Committee (NEC) should not have ratified the new regulations, arguing that this should have been subjected to a general assembly.
However, the tribunal dismissed the case on the basis that the club did not exhaust all the internal mechanisms at its disposal, as a member of FKF Premier League.
Furthermore, the tribunal ruled that the new regulations were validly ratified by NEC and that the process leading to the same met the threshold of public participation.
The new regulations came into force in September last year, stating that the bottom three teams in the top tier would be demoted to the NSL whereas the top three in the second tier would be promoted.
Consequently, Sofapaka, Bidco United and Sharks were relegated as Migori Youth, 3K FC and Mombasa United earned their berths at the top tier.
The previous regulations, in force since 2019, would have seen Sharks — who finished 16th in the 2025/26 season — play Mombasa United in a relegation/promotion playoff.
However, with another case challenging the new regulation at the High Court in Murang’a, Sharks may yet earn a reprieve and stay afloat in the top tier.
Meanwhile, Football stakeholders in Mombasa County have welcomed the Sports Disputes Tribunal's decision to uphold the validity of the Football Kenya Federation's 2025 promotion and relegation regulations.
FKF Mombasa chairman Alamin Ahmed Abdalla welcomed the decision, describing it as a victory for Kenyan football.
“The ruling is now out and it is a win for everybody. Mombasa United clinching a spot in the Kenyan Premier League next season is a plus for all of us, and shows how Kenyans uphold democracy. I am happy that we have promoted another team to the KPL,” said Abdalla.
Abdalla urged Kariobangi Sharks to use their relegation as motivation to rebuild.
“To our former FKF President Mwendwa, put more effort into your youth because you have the best talents. Prove that you deserve to be in the KPL, rebuild and come back stronger. Football is not enmity; football brings people together.”