Isaboke: Why ADR could offer way out of FKF Premier League standoff

The league has been caught up in a dispute over the regulations governing promotion and relegation, after Kariobangi Sharks challenged their relegation under the 2025 FKF rules.

Sharks finished 16th last season and were relegated under the 2025 framework, which provided for three automatic relegations. The 2019 regulations had provided for two automatic relegations and a playoff between the 16th-placed Premier League side and the third-placed National Super League team.

The Sports Disputes Tribunal ruled in favour of FKF, but Sharks subsequently moved to the High Court, with separate proceedings now complicating the start and composition of the new season.

When asked whether the dispute could be resolved outside court, Isaboke said the law provides for alternative dispute resolution but reaching an agreement remains difficult.

“The courts allow matters to be settled out of court, but currently the way both parties are engaging in head-on collisions, it’s very hard for one party to agree.”

Isaboke says Kariobangi Sharks remain determined to pursue the playoff route provided for under the 2019 regulations, while the 2025 rules remain at the centre of the disagreement.

The dispute has also created wider complications for clubs, particularly those that recruited players under the newer regulations.

“Most of the people right now are looking at, ‘Ah, it’s only the playoff, Kariobangi Sharks will just play.’ No, it’s a very wide thing that is affecting everyone.”

Among the concerns is the foreign-player quota, which was increased under the 2025 regulations.

“Teams have already signed the seven foreigners… And now you come back to the 2019 rules, it’s five.”

The impasse has also raised questions about FKF’s internal leadership, with the position of Secretary General among the issues affecting the federation, as Acting CEO Dennis Gicheru is out of contract.

The Murang’a High Court has meanwhile allowed the league to proceed under the 2019 regulations, while the separate case at the Milimani High Court remains active.

With the opening fixtures already postponed, the pressure is now on FKF and the affected clubs to find common ground, either through the ongoing court process or an agreed alternative mechanism, before the domestic calendar suffers further disruption.