Mombasa United insist on KPL promotion as league stalemate deepens

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Hussein said the league regulations were communicated before the start of the season, with clubs clearly informed that three teams would earn promotion to the top flight.

"People are only focusing on the issue of promotion and relegation but the 2025 regulations has more things than those 2. As Mombasa United we received a clear [communication] from then the CEO that NEC had deliberated and decided the criteria for promotion and relegation that this time 3 teams will be promoted to KPL and 3 teams relegated to NSL."

"The communication came way before we started the season. In fact, it came on 23rd of September and our first match was on 27th Sep — so those saying the communication came mid-season, they are lying to themselves," he added.

Hussein said Mombasa United began preparing for life in the KPL following the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) ruling, insisting that the club has already made the necessary preparations for the new season.

"SDT gave out its ruling and that's what we are holding on as a team. We have done our business, our preparation and we are ready to kick off the new season. So anything apart from that we see it as derailing football and we are not being honest with ourselves."

The Mombasa United boss has also called on football stakeholders to intervene and find a quick solution to the ongoing dispute, warning that continued delays could have serious consequences for Kenyan football.

"We must protect our league. Players deserve what is best for them."

Several cases have since been filed in court seeking to block the start of the new season amid the dispute over the number of teams to be promoted to the KPL and those to be relegated to the NSL.

Mombasa FKF Chairman Alamin Ahmed Abdalla has also warned that the prolonged delay in the start of the league is damaging Kenyan football.

"Our demand is only Mombasa United to be part of KPL next season. If all goes wrong, our stand will remain that all leagues in 2025 are null and void. We urge the court to take the right decision and leave Mombasa United to participate in Kenya Premier League."

"Teams are prepared — let the league start with the 2025 regulations," added Alamin.