AFC Leopards have been disqualified from the FKF Mozzart Cup 2025 following decision rendered by the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee.
In the ruling rendered on March 18 2025, FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee found that AFC Leopards fans invaded the pitch in the 89th minute in protest of the referee’s decision to rescind an earlier awarded penalty, leading to abandonment of their round 32 fixture against Mara Sugar on March 8 2025, at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Kisumu.
The disqualification of AFC Leopards highlights the ongoing challenge of controlling fan behavior at sporting events, especially as incidents of violence and protests continue to mar the reputation of Kenyan football.
Mara Sugar, on the other hand, can now look ahead with confidence as they progress to the next round, having benefited from the unfortunate circumstances that led to AFC Leopards’ elimination.
The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee deliberated and resolved as follows;
1. THAT AFC Leopards SC fans, through their misconduct, caused the abandonment of the match after they invaded the field of play to protest against the referee’s decision to rescind an earlier awarded penalty.
2. THAT having caused the abandonment, and in accordance with Art. 6.4(iv) of the MozzartBet Cup Regulations as read with Art. 3.5.6 of the Rules & Regulations Governing Kenyan Football, AFC Leopards SC shall forfeit the match and the same shall be awarded to Mara Sugar FC who shall progress to the next round of the Competition.
3. THAT AFC Leopards SC be, and is hereby warned against the misconduct of their fans and be advised to come up with adequate measures to curb cases of hooliganism and violence during their matches.
This ruling also sends a strong message to other teams and their supporters about the importance of maintaining discipline and respect for the game, referees, and fellow competitors.