By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, May 22, 2026 - The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) has temporarily suspended the FKF Premier League match between Mara Sugar FC and Gor Mahia that had been scheduled to take place on Sunday, following a legal challenge filed by Mara Sugar over the controversial relocation of the fixture.
The ruling has added fresh drama to the closing stages of the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season, where Gor Mahia remain firmly in the title race and every remaining fixture carries enormous importance.
According to documents filed before the tribunal, Mara Sugar appealed against a decision by the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee to move the match venue from the club’s preferred home ground arrangements to Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay. The SDT subsequently issued temporary orders halting the match pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
The matter is now set to be mentioned again on May 26, 2026.
The fixture has experienced multiple venue changes over the past few days, creating confusion and tension between the involved parties.
Initially, the match had been scheduled to take place in Awendo, which Mara Sugar considers part of its home setup. However, logistical and venue-related concerns reportedly forced changes to the arrangement, leading FKF to shift the game to Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea.
Later, the federation directed that the match instead be played at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, a decision Mara Sugar strongly opposed.
The club argued before the tribunal that the latest relocation unfairly interfered with its home advantage and was made without adequate consultation or proper justification. Mara Sugar consequently moved to the SDT seeking urgent intervention to stop the fixture from proceeding under the revised arrangements.
The Sports Disputes Tribunal then issued interim conservatory orders temporarily suspending the game until the case can be heard further.
The development now creates uncertainty around the FKF Premier League schedule at a critical point in the season.
For Gor Mahia, the postponement could significantly affect the title race. K’Ogalo are currently pushing to secure another league championship and recently moved closer to the title after defeating Murang’a Seal. The club needs only a few more points from its remaining fixtures to mathematically secure the crown.
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Any delay to fixtures therefore has direct implications on the title run-in, especially with AFC Leopards still mathematically within reach near the top of the standings.
The situation also highlights broader concerns surrounding stadium suitability and fixture organization in Kenyan football.
Throughout the season, several FKF Premier League matches have faced venue complications due to stadium availability, infrastructure standards, security concerns, and ongoing renovations at key grounds across the country. Clubs have frequently been forced to relocate matches away from their traditional home venues, often generating disputes over sporting fairness and logistical challenges.
Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay has recently become one of the alternative venues increasingly used for major domestic fixtures following renovations and improvements that brought it closer to meeting top-flight hosting standards.
However, Mara Sugar’s legal action suggests the club believes the federation’s handling of the relocation process violated competition regulations or undermined its competitive rights as the designated home side.
Reaction across Kenyan football social media has been mixed.
Some supporters believe FKF acted appropriately in trying to secure a suitable venue capable of safely hosting a high-profile match involving Gor Mahia, whose fixtures often attract massive crowds. Others argue Mara Sugar are justified in defending their home advantage and protecting the integrity of league competition.
The case now shifts to the Sports Disputes Tribunal, where further arguments from both Mara Sugar and FKF are expected before a final direction is issued regarding the match.
Until then, one of the most important fixtures in the FKF Premier League title race remains officially on hold.
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