Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has lodged a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over Kenya’s controversial elimination from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) by Madagascar.
In a protest letter dated August 24, filed through his lawyers Wanyanga & Co. Advocates, Sonko accuses match officials of bias and misconduct during the quarter-final clash played last Friday.
The lawyers claim two legitimate Harambee Stars goals were wrongly disallowed, a decision they argue denied Kenya a place in the semi-finals.
Citing Article 4.2.3 and Article 115 of the CHAN Regulations, they accuse officials of “outright bias and preferences to Madagascar to the detriment of the Kenya team.”
According to the complaint, the referees showed blatant bias in favour of Madagascar, wrongfully disallowed two Kenyan goals, and failed to consult the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) or other officials before making crucial decisions.
The lawyers argue that had the goals been allowed, Kenya would have emerged victorious, insisting that the officials’ conduct undermined fair play and the integrity of the tournament.
Sonko is urging CAF not to homologate (validate) the result until a full review is conducted.
He wants the continental body to examine referee reports, assistant referees’ notes, match commissioner records, and VAR footage before making what he terms a “just decision.”
The letter further warns that if CAF fails to act within 24 hours, the matter will be escalated to the CAF Disciplinary Board under Articles 10 and 11 of the CAF Statute.
“Our client, and indeed the citizens of Kenya, are aggrieved by the decision of the match officials, which culminated in the Kenyan team losing its quarter-final match against Madagascar,” the complaint reads.
Copies of the petition have also been sent to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Madagascar Football Federation.