Gor Mahia denied CAFCL spot

Monday Jul 24, 2023. 12:31

Gor Mahia will not be involved in the 2023-24 CAF Champions League after being denied a club licence by the Kenyan Football Federation (FKF) ahead of Tuesday’s draw.

K’Ogalo were due to feature in the qualifying rounds of Africa’s elite club competition after pipping Tusker to a record 20th Kenyan Premier League title by a single point on the final day of the season.

However, the Nairobi giants were in breach of FIFA and CAF rules for failing to pay three of their former players, Sando Yangayay, Jules Ulimwengu and Adama Keita, who reported them to world’s football’s governing body.

The Kenyan champions failed to meet last Thursday’s deadline though, and have been blocked from representing their country on the continental stage, as per FIFA and CAF rules.

The FKF had hoped that the Brewers would replace their local rivals in the CAF Champions League, but their request came too late.

“It was inevitable. It was something that the Federation tried so much to avert but Gor did not heed,” a FKF source told Capital Sport.

“They were constantly sent reminders and even the Federation asked CAF to extend them some time, but could not meet their end of the bargain in time.”