Court Blocks Promotion and Relegation in SportPesa Premier League and NSL

The Sports Disputes Tribunal has suspended the introduction of new promotion and relegation rules by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) following an urgent certification of a case brought by Andrew Leif against the FKF National Executive Committee, FKF, and other parties.

According to the directions contained in the June 12, 2026, ruling of Deputy Chairperson Allan Mola Owinyi, the Tribunal observed that there were sufficient grounds of urgency and that the plaintiff was able to make out a case entitling him to interim measures before a decision on the dispute is made.

This case, SDTSC/E046/2026, was initiated following grievances against the management of the promotion and relegation issues by FKF concerning clubs playing in the FKF SportPesa Premier League, FKF National Super League, and the FKF Division One League as the transition period begins for the 2025/2026 to 2026/2027 seasons.

“That in the interim, to safeguard the substratum of the suit, a temporary injunction is hereby issued restraining the Football Kenya Federation, all its bodies/organs, officials, agents, assignees or anyone whomsoever acting under their instructions expressly or impliedly from promoting and relegating any teams to and from the tiers of FKF Sportpesa Premier League, FKF National Super League (NSL) and the FKF division one league for the season transiting from 2025/2026 to 2026/2027,” court stated.

Tribunal Orders Temporary Injunction on FKF 

Furthermore, the Tribunal instructed the claimant to serve the respondents and other interested parties with pleadings including Notice of Motion, supporting documents, and petition on or before June 15, 2026.

The respondents were further to file and serve their response on or before June 16, 2026.

Additionally, the Tribunal restrained the federation from recognising, implementing or giving effect to the disputed rules until the hearing of the application.

“A temporary injunction is hereby issued restraining the Respondents, whether directly or indirectly through their assignees, agents, servants, employees or anyone whomsoever acting upon their instructions or authority from recognising, implementing or in any manner whatsoever giving effect to the alleged new rules and regulations and the alleged new promotion and relegation structure,” the sports tribunal ruled.

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Implications for Kenyan Football

The orders will effectively stop all transfers of clubs from one division to another until the legal battle ends.

Clubs expecting promotions or relegations are therefore forced to wait until the case is concluded before their moves become official.

It is indeed a crucial time for Kenyan football when clubs will have made up their minds about the next competitive season.

The process of promotion and relegation is very important as it determines income streams, sponsorship deals, and player transfer strategies among other things.

The tribunal appreciated the importance of the matter and gave all the parties an option to do oral representations.

Also Read:Govt Responds to Viral FKF Suspension Claims

Next Hearing Date Set for June 17, 2026

This particular case will be heard by a panel made up of Deputy Chairperson Allan Mola Owinyi, Hon. Peris Alela Mukoko and Hon. Luke Wamugunda.

“The Matter shall be mentioned on 17th June, 2026 at 2.30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams before the Tribunal to confirm compliance and for further directions,” the tribunal directed.

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Migori Youth players during a past football match. PHOTO/Courtesy.