A group of AFC Leopards fans have threatened to boycott the upcoming match against Nzoia United scheduled to take place at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
The threat comes after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) League and Competitions Committee banned Leopards fans from attending the next four matches due to crowd trouble.
However, the federation’s appeals committee granted a temporary reprieve to the club, allowing fans to attend Sunday’s match against Nzoia Sugar.
Janet Katisya, who led the committee, stated that they had examined the decision made by the FKF League and Competitions Committee on April 18, 2023, as well as the Notice of Motion issued on May 2, 2023, and the additional affidavit submitted by AFC Leopards club chairman Dan Shikanda in May 2023.
“After reviewing the above, the application is certified as urgent considering that the next match by the Appellant is on May 7,2023.
“The ruling of the LCC “That AFC Leopards SC shall play their next four (4) home FKF-PL matches behind closed doors. The club shall ensure this is adhered to” be partially suspended to the following effect;
“That there shall be a partial stay of enforcement of the LLC Ruling on playing behind closed doors for four (4) home FKF-PL with regard to Game Number 253 on 7th May 2023 pending the outcome of this Appeal,”said the ruling.
Despite the reprieve, some Leopards fans claim they will not attend the match, with one fan, Elvis Shikutwa, stating that they will be back in the stadium after the Mashemei derby against Gor.
Luttah Beneah demanded a ruling that states points will be shared or a match to be played, with 500,000 fans to be allowed back (if paid) and referees at Bukhungu banned.
Tito Olendo claimed that the lift was meant to hoodwink them to attend the derby and benefit Gor, while Abby Abel suggested that the ban was only lifted because the derby is around the corner.
