- The ruling for AFC Leopards’ FKF Cup elimination was made by the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee on Tuesday, 18th March 2025.
- The match between Mara and AFC Leopards was abandoned on 8th March 2025 at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium after the Ingwe fans invaded the pitch.
- Leopards have not won a cup in the last eight years, with their most recent victory dating back to 2017 in the FKF Cup.
AFC Leopards will not proceed to the round of 16 of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup 2025 after being expelled from the competition following a ruling by the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee.
This decision stems from the abandonment of their match against Mara Sugar on 8th March 2025 at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.
The match was halted in the 89th minute after AFC Leopards fans stormed the pitch in protest of a controversial penalty awarded to their team, which was later overturned by the match officials.
In response to the incident, the committee held a hearing on Tuesday, 18th March 2025 and concluded that AFC Leopards fans engaged in unacceptable behavior.
The ruling read, “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.”
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Furthermore, the committee awarded the match to Mara Sugar, thereby granting them advancement to the next round, while AFC Leopards were eliminated.
The ruling continued, “THAT having caused the abandonment, and in accordance with Art. 6.4(iv) of the FKF 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.”
The Leagues & Competitions Committee also issued a warning to the club regarding the behavior of their fans.
“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,” the statement reiterated.
Full FKF ruling
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AFC Leopards’ FKF Cup recent achievement
As a result, Mara Sugar will now face Compel FC in the Round of 16, while AFC Leopards will focus on finishing in the best possible position in the top tier. They are currently in fifth place with 36 points, nine points behind log leaders Kenya Police (45).
Despite aiming for another FKF Cup title and an opportunity to return to the CAF Confederation Cup, their path has been disrupted.
The last time they lifted the FKF Cup was in 2017, defeating Kariobangi Sharks 2-0 in the final.
Last season, they made their best Cup run in years, reaching the semifinals, where they were eliminated by the defending champions, Kenya Police.
FKF Cup 2025 last of 16 fixtures
· Gor Mahia FC vs Bandari FC
· KCB FC vs Nairobi United FC
· Kenya Police FC vs Kapenguria United FC
· Murang’a Seal FC vs Kibera Soccer FC
· Kariobangi Sharks FC vs Denmak FC
· Mara Sugar FC vs Compel FC
· Ulinzi Stars FC vs Bidco United FC
· Kakamega Homeboyz FC vs Shabana FC
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