Three Kenyan referees Joshua Achilla, Collins Opiyo, and Hosea Omondi have been suspended by the Football Federation of Kenya (FKF) for misconduct and questionable decisions they undertook in their respective matches.
The three will sere different terms in suspension for the grievous acts and poorly made decisions according to the secretary general.
The FKF Ad Hoc Committee took the decision to impose a suspension of the three for a period not exceeding three rounds of the Kenyan Premier League on Hosea Omondi and Joshua Achila, and Collins Opiyo who will be out for four matches.
Joshua Achilla, a KPL assistant referee was reprimanded for two decisions he made in AFC Leopards’ loss to Gor Mahia during the Mashemeji Derby played in February at the Kasarani Stadium and another one during a match between Ulinzi and Sofapaka.
“on two occasions, your decisions on offside have changed the result of matches:
- That, you made two crucial decisions which had an impact on the Gor Mahia FC vs AFC Leopards FC match played on Feb 9, 2019, at the Kasarani Stadium.
- That you denied Ulinzi Stars FC a goal through a wrong decision during the Sofapaka FC vs Ulinzi Stars FC match which changed the result of the match.
Having admitted to the above offence, you are hereby suspended immediately for three rounds of Kenya Premier League calendar matches,” read part of the letter sent to Achilla, signed by FKF General Secretary Robert Muthomi.
FKF General Secretary Robert Muthomi
On the other hand, Hosea Omondi was faulted for failing to send off Gor Mahia FC goalkeeper Shaban Odhoji for denying Sony Sugar a goal scoring opportunity by a deliberate handball outside the box.
“During the Gor Mahia FC vs Sony Sugar FC played on April 3, 2019, in Kisumu, which you officiated as the Center Referee, you failed to send off Gor Mahia FC goalkeeper for denying a goal scoring opportunity by a deliberate handball outside the penalty area. The same offense by the opposing teammate got a send-off.
The FKF Ad Hoc Committee, which sat to deliberate on the above, noted inconsistency and lack of authority in officiating hence indirectly influencing the result of the match. In this regard, effective immediately you are hereby suspended for a period not exceeding three rounds of the Kenya Premier League calendar of matches,” the letter sent to Hosea read in part.
Collins Opiyo, on his part, was chastised for awarding a questionable penalty to Sofapaka in their match against KCB played on April 14, 2019, at the Machakos Stadium.
“After a thorough review of the incident in a video clip that resulted in a penalty, the Committee is convinced that your decision was questionable since it is the attacker who initiated contact after realizing that he had lost possession of the ball in the penalty area.
As a matter of fact, the attacker should have been cautioned for simulation and an indirect free kick awarded to the defending team.
You did not appear before the Committee when summoned for a hearing, this is, therefore, to inform you that you will be suspended with immediate effect for four rounds of KPL calendar.
Consideration will be advanced to you once you appear before the Ad-hoc Committee,” the letter sent to Collins read in part.