FKF Premier League Crisis Deepens as New Season Delayed

The start of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season has been thrown into uncertainty after the opening round was postponed amid an ongoing dispute over the composition of the top-flight league.

The new season was scheduled to kick off on September 19, but the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has been forced to review its plans following court orders linked to the dispute involving Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United.

Kariobangi Sharks finished 16th in the previous Premier League campaign and were expected to face relegation. Mombasa United, meanwhile, finished third in the National Super League and have been seeking promotion to the top flight.

The main disagreement centres on whether Sharks should be relegated automatically or be allowed to play a promotion/relegation playoff against Mombasa United.

The situation has been further complicated by separate court orders. One order directed that the league should not proceed before the disputed playoff is played, while another directed FKF to include Mombasa United as the 18th team in the Premier League pending determination of the case.

FKF president Hussein Mohammed has indicated that the federation is engaging the affected clubs in an effort to find a solution. Among the options being discussed is an expedited two-legged playoff that could settle the sporting dispute and allow the new campaign to proceed.

The uncertainty has left clubs and supporters waiting for clarity on when competitive league football will finally begin.

Despite the delay, some Premier League clubs have continued preparing through friendly matches. Tusker FC, for example, defeated Gor Mahia 3-2 in a pre-season encounter at Nyayo Stadium. Victor Mbaoma scored twice for Tusker, while Eric Kapaito also found the net.

Tusker are also preparing for continental competition after advancing to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

For Kenyan football fans, however, attention remains firmly on the FKF Premier League. The immediate question is whether FKF and the affected clubs can resolve the Sharks–Mombasa United dispute quickly enough to prevent further disruption to the new season.

Until that issue is settled, the 2026/27 Premier League remains without a confirmed competitive starting date.