Gor Mahia Chairman Demands Answers From FKF Over Controversial Officiating Against Bandari

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has raised concerns over the Football Kenya Federation following the club’s goalless draw against Bandari in a Kenya Premier League match played on Sunday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The match was marred by officiating drama when referee Phanuel Omire initially awarded K'Ogalo an 85th-minute penalty for a foul on Shariff Musa, only to reverse the decision after aggressive protests from Bandari players.

Tensions reached a breaking point during the closing stages as the referee blew the final whistle with only two of the five indicated minutes of added time played, sparking outrage from the Gor Mahia technical bench.

The controversy on the pitch was compounded by a shocking security breach in the dressing rooms, where Gor Mahia players and officials reportedly had phones and cash stolen during the game.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, April 22, Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier said the club has formally raised concerns with FKF, urging them to review two key incidents from the match against Bandari.

He questioned the circumstances under which a penalty decision was overturned, suggesting that the situation appeared irregular given the level of pressure exerted on the match official by opposing players.

He noted that video footage seemed to show players surrounding and physically confronting the referee, which he argued should have attracted disciplinary action rather than influenced a change in ruling.

Rachier further expressed uncertainty over whether current regulations permit such an alteration of a referee’s original call under those conditions, indicating that clarity was needed on whether proper procedures were followed and if the rules had been applied consistently.

“People seeing your decision may be different. What influenced the change of that decision, and is that lawful? That's what I've written to the Federation about. I don't need to discuss it in public because you will not give me an answer,” he said.

“It's for them, and that's why I'm talking about bringing the game into this dispute. If they insist that it's right, it's for everybody to see. We have already written the protest. I don't think this is the forum for me to address it.

“I can only bring a concern, but they'll say, ‘Why would you take it out there? Address it to the people.’ And I have written the letter of concern to ask them, maybe we are wrong. Was the referee right? And then what is the consequence of that?”

Rachier also raised questions regarding the handling of added time, expressing his understanding that match officials are permitted to extend stoppage time when interruptions such as injuries occur during play.

He explained that in such situations, additional minutes are usually meant to compensate for delays so that the full intended stoppage period is effectively served.

However, he suggested that there may be uncertainty or inconsistency in the way the rule is being applied, arguing that he was not aware of any provision that allows the reduction of added time once it has been indicated.

He emphasised that this was his interpretation of the regulations, while also acknowledging that he could be mistaken and inviting clarification from those more familiar with the laws of the game, including sports journalists and officials.

“On any official, unnamed, who tends or appears to bring disrepute, and the disrepute is questionable, resulting in questionable decisions and questionable results. And I want to thank the fans and football stakeholders in this country that we have not been witnessing any kind of violence despite some protests in officiating in the country,” he said.

“People have refrained. The fans have generally refrained from taking any action that would lead to violence. It used to be a common occurrence. Now I want to congratulate and thank, and let us keep the peace so that we are not blamed. If you're provoked by a certain decision, please, as fans, let us leave it to be judged.

“And don't think that we are not watching, we are watching. If we do not do justice to you, we will see. You have to do it, and it must also be seen to be done. When in the open, you do abominable things, things you do not expect us to point out. We must point it out. And that is the purpose of this. We've already written what we think needs to be addressed as far as we are concerned. And we are not a special club.”

Ambrose Rachier also issued a strong appeal to both AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia supporters ahead of the upcoming Mashemeji Derby, urging fans to maintain peace and avoid any form of violence during the match.

He expressed satisfaction with the improved conduct seen in recent fixtures, noting that supporters have generally behaved responsibly and that incidents of disorder, including stone-throwing, have significantly reduced over time.

Rachier also commended the efforts of match stewards and club officials in maintaining order at previous games, crediting their coordination for the positive atmosphere experienced so far. He called on fans to continue in the same spirit, respect the outcome of the match regardless of results, and focus on enjoying the football spectacle scheduled for the 26th.

“AFC fans and Gor Mahia fans, let us observe peace. Let us observe peace. We've been for very good conduct. I just want to appeal to our own and the fans of our Mashemeji to please let us shame the devil. Let us be peaceful, respecting all the results, as we have been doing,” he said.

“And here I want to commend our people. I want to commend our stewards. I want to commend my colleagues here in the management. I think we've done fairly well. I think our fans have refrained from violence. They throw stones. I'm sure you've not seen stones for a long time. So my appeal is let us enjoy the football match, the derby that is coming on the 26th.”