Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has filed a complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board, challenging Kenya’s elimination from the CHAN tournament following their defeat to Madagascar last Friday.
In his petition, Sonko alleges that match officials unfairly disallowed two Kenyan goals, failed to consult team captains and coaches and ignored the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.
He claims the officiating was biased in favor of Madagascar, ultimately costing Kenya a chance to reach the semi-finals.
Sonko is seeking to have the match nullified and is requesting that the semi-final clash between Sudan and Madagascar be suspended until his case is determined.
“That the decision to disallow the two goals scored by Kenya be suspended pending the hearing and determination of the complaint. That the results of the penalty shoot-out in the game between Kenya and Madagascar be suspended pending determination,” reads part of his application.
Through Wanyanga and Company Advocates, Sonko argues that unless interim measures under CAF statutes are granted, the case risks being rendered moot.
The filing lists the match officials as the first respondent, while the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Madagascar’s national team and the Fédération Malagasy de Football are named as interested parties.Sonko also cites CAF’s code, which defines match officials broadly to include referees, assistant referees, commissioners, inspectors and any officials appointed by CAF or FIFA. He argues that these officials collectively disregarded their duties, thereby denying Kenya a fair chance at progression.
Sonko maintains that Kenya was unfairly denied progression to the semi-finals, insisting that CAF must address what he terms as “wrongful officiating and disregard for the rules.”
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