The Independent Disciplinary & Complaints Committee (IDCC) has fined Gor Mahia Ksh 300,000 for failing to control its fans during the SportPesa Premier League match against AFC Leopards played on Saturday 25th August at the Moi International Sports Center. 

FACTS

Gor Mahia Football Club is charged before the IDCC Tribunal with the offence of failing to control their members, supports and/ or fans during the Kenya Premier League Match number 246 by allowing their fans to invade the field of play after the full-time whistle hence putting the safety of players and match officials at risk. The charge states as follows;

THAT, on Saturday, August 25th 2018 during the 2018 SportPesa Premier season match number 246 between Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards SC, the match venue being Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani;

  1. THAT, at 6:03 pm or thereabout, members, supporters and /or fans of Gor Mahia FC are allegedly invaded the pitch after fulltime whistle hence putting the safety of players and match officials at risk. This conduct is contrary to Rule 3.4(a) and Rule 3.5(b) of the Rules Governing Kenyan Football, and also punishable under Art. 67, par. 1, 3 and 4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

ANALYSIS

It is not in doubt that there were chaotic scenes after the final whistle when Gor Mahia FC fans invaded the pitch to celebrate their team’s win on the day. However this was extremely dangerous particularly to the safety of the opposing team’s players and Match official hence the reason why the charges were preferred against the club by Kenya Premier League under Rule 3.4(a) and 3.5(b) of the Rules Governing Kenyan Football which if found guilty, the same is punishable under Article 67. Paragraph 1, 3 and 4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code

According to the provisions of Rule 3.4(a) of the Rules of Kenyan football under which the charges herein were brought, Gor Mahia FC had the responsibility of controlling their supporters and members and ensures that they behave in a fair manner. The Rule provides as follows;

“Members and supporters: Clubs are responsible for the conduct of their members and supporters and must ensure they behave in a fair manner and refrain from violent, threatening, abusive, obscene and other provocative and unsporting conduct or language at a match”

Further, Rule 3.5(b) on security and safety during matches provides as follows;

“…..the home club is responsible for the welfare, safety and security of all officials and visiting clubs……”

Considering the cited provisions of the Rules Governing Kenyan Football, the Tribunal finds that Gor Mahia Football Club breached the provisions of Rule 3.4(a), and 3.5(b) of the Rules of Kenyan Football hence should be punished accordingly as provided under Article 67 paragraphs 1, 3 and 4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

CONCLUSION

The Tribunal finds and holds as follows:

  1. That Gor Mahia Football Club having been found guilty for breaching Rules 3.4 (a) and 3.5 (B) of the Rules of Kenyan Football on Saturday, August 25th, 201 during the SportPesa Premier League Match Number 246 between Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards SC which was played at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and are hereby fined Kenya Shillings Three Hundred Thousand (Kshs. 300,000/=)
  2. That above amount shall be paid to Kenya Premier League within Sixty (60) days from the date of this ruling. In the event of default, the said amount shall be recovered by KPL from the Club’s share of the Premier League Sponsorship by SportPesa for the 2018-19 Club’s entitlement.