FKF Cracks Whip on Blundering Referees as Match Fixing Allegations Persist

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has demoted a referee and issued a warning to another after incidents of questionable officiating in the Premier League.

Referees in the FKF Premier League continue to court controversy over some of their calls which have had impacts on match outcomes.

However, even with several complaints, the questionable officiating persists, leading to claims of match fixing in the Kenyan top flight but FKF appears determined to restore sanity.

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The federation has demoted FIFA referee Erick Njogu to the second tier following questionable calls in two Premier League matches played in November and December.

“Following the review, the Committee assessed the performance of Mr. Erick Njogu (FIFA Referee) in Match No. 56 (Kariobangi Sharks vs Shabana FC) and Match No. 94 (Nairobi United vs Mathare United),” said the FKF National Referees Committee in its findings.

“Several key decisions were found to be inconsistent with the standards expected at his level. As a corrective and developmental measure, Mr. Njogu will be demoted to officiate National Super League (NSL) matches for the next five (5) rounds. His performance will be closely monitored, with evaluation reports submitted to determine readiness for reinstatement to the Premier League panel.”

Meanwhile, assistant referee Fredrick Kajongo has escaped demotion but is under close scrutiny after being issued with a warning following a wrong offside call in a match played last month.

“The Committee also reviewed the performance of Mr. Fredrick Kajongo (Assistant Referee) in Match No. 90 (Kenya Police vs Mathare United). An incorrect offside decision was noted, and he has been issued with a formal written warning. His future assignments will be closely monitored, with an expectation of improved decision-making,” the committee further said.

It is the second time in five days that FKF has sanctioned referees over poor officiating following the demotion of second assistant referee Jackson Opiayo to the National Super League and warnings to referee David Serem and first assistant referee Gladys Kamuren last week.