SportPesa League standoff resolved: Mombasa United and Kariobangi Sharks agree to playoff

The promotion-relegation deadlock hanging over Kenyan football has finally been broken after Football Kenya Federation (FKF), successfully mediated a breakthrough agreement between Mombasa United and Kariobangi Sharks, paving the way for a two-legged playoff to determine the final slot in the top flight.

In an official statement released by the FKF Communication Department on Thursday afternoon,the federation confirmed:

“We have an agreement for the playoff (Sharks vs Mombasa United) to proceed with newly registered players after the mediation process initiated by FKF. 1st game in Mombasa, return leg in Nairobi. 1st October, 6th October. Full statement in due course. Regards.”

Following the federation’s confirmation, Mombasa United FC issued an official statement outlining their decision to accept the playoff.

While maintaining full conviction in the legitimacy of their original standing and sporting merit, the coastal club emphasized that their decision comes in the broader interest of the game, their supporters, and the community.

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“There are moments in the life of a club when the greater victory is not simply proving that you are right, but protecting the game you love,” the statement read.

“This decision is not a surrender, nor is it an admission that our position was wrong. It is a sacrifice made to end an impasse that has kept football away from where it truly belongs.”

The breakthrough hinges on a compromise. Under the agreed terms, both Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United have been granted permission to field their newly registered players across both legs of the fixture.

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This concession proved vital in bringing both executive teams into agreement, ensuring both managers can rely on their current squads for the decisive ties given that a significant number of players from either side’s last-season squads had already departed the clubs during the off-season.

The two-legged clash will determine the final team to feature in the 2026/27 SportPesa League season.

The 1st leg is scheduled to kick off in Mombasa on October 1, 2026, before the action moves to Nairobi for the decisive 2nd leg on October 6, 2026.