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FKF PL stalemate: Ex-AFC Leopards chair Shikanda denies NEC involvement in league delay
14th September, 2026 12:13 PM
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Nairobi branch chairman Dan Shikanda has weighed in on the ongoing stalemates surrounding the new Premier League season, clarifying the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) position during an interview with a local TV station.
Shikanda, on Monday, September 14, 2026, with a local media station, pushed back against claims that the NEC is responsible for delaying the league’s kickoff, placing the blame squarely on FKF President Hussin Mohammed.
Not a scheduling disagreement
According to Shikanda, the crisis stems from a failure to follow the federation’s constitution and a subjective application of the rules.
He revealed that he previously warned the president against altering rules right as the season was starting.
“My message to sports stakeholders and Kenyans is that we are not fighting for anything. What we are saying is that impunity, dictatorship, and the rogue application of the law are what will land us in serious problems, as we are currently witnessing. What is happening now is not about the NEC deciding when the league will restart,” he said.
He emphasised that any changes require proper NEC involvement, public participation, discussion by the NEC, and eventual ratification by the congress, steps he claims were bypassed regarding the 2025 rules.
Shikanda also warned that the current legal disputes have since been aggravated further, noting that teams finishing near the relegation and promotion playoff spots in the National Super League (NSL) are taking legal action because they were promised promotion based on the disputed rules.
“It is not about Nick Mwendwa fighting Hussei or any other person; it was obvious anyone who finished in the relegation/promotion playoff position would go to court, as they were told we are using 2025 rules,” he stated.
Mariga laments delay
Shikanda’s remarks follow scathing remarks made by Football Kenya Federation Vice President McDonald Mariga.
In a strongly worded statement on August 31, 2026, the football icon expressed his deep concerns over the state of affairs of the country’s top-flight football amid a deepening standoff.
“We cannot afford to enter such an important period with our domestic football distracted by avoidable institutional disputes. Our clubs need certainty, our players need competitive football, our sponsors need confidence, and our national teams need a properly functioning football ecosystem.”
In a direct call to action, the football icon urged decision-makers to prioritise collective welfare over personal interests.
“Football is about competition, passion, opportunity, and unity. It should bring us together, not keep us permanently divided in disputes over governance.. I therefore appeal to all stakeholders, including the FKF leadership, NEC, clubs, leagues, players, officials, and other football institutions, to choose the most constructive route available: dialogue, consultation, and strict adherence to the FKF Constitution and applicable regulations.”
