Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO and current AFCON 2027 LOC member Lordvick Aduda has delivered a strong legal and footballing verdict on the explosive Mara Sugar vs Gor Mahia venue dispute, and according to him, the FKF rules leave very little room for confusion.
“The Rules are explicitly clear,” Aduda stated firmly.
“Should a club wish to change a fixture or kick-off time, it SHALL communicate in writing at least seven (7) days before the match. Even exceptions must still be explained officially and in writing.”
Aduda emphasized that FKF regulations already anticipate venue crises long before matchday, which is why clubs are required to register both home and alternative grounds at the start of the season.
“The Rules also state that every team SHALL name its home ground and alternative home grounds. If those venues are deemed unsuitable, FKF has the absolute discretion to assign another venue.”
According to the former FKF boss, Mara Sugar’s strongest legal path would have been to formally notify the federation that all three of their registered venues were unavailable within the stipulated timelines.
“Mara should have officially written to FKF seven days before the game explaining why all their proposed venues were unsuitable. If FKF ignored that statutory process, then perhaps they would have legitimate grounds to feel aggrieved.”
Instead, Aduda believes the decision to rush to court and halt the fixture sends the wrong message about the state of Kenyan football.
“But moving to stop the federation from conducting its business at the eleventh hour is absurd and a major dent to the Premier League brand.”
The remarks now add even more fire to one of the most controversial fixture stand-offs in recent FKF Premier League history, a battle now stretching beyond the pitch into boardrooms, legal corridors, and the integrity of Kenyan football governance itself.
