FUFA President Moses Magogo has responded to critics, asserting that ignorance of rules is not an acceptable excuse in football. He was responding to the outburst to the revelation of a lesser-known FUFA rule that came into effect this season, altering the method for determining the league leader in cases of tied points.
According to the amendment made to Rule 14(4)(c)(ii) of the FUFA Competition Rules, the leader of the league would now be determined by head-to-head results rather than goal difference if teams were tied on points.
The amended rule states, “If Point Accumulation does not separate the teams, then the better team, between the tying teams, by the Head-to-Head (Using the goal aggregate system) will be ranked above the other(s).”
This revelation sparked a wave of criticism in the media, with many accusing the Federation of failing to adequately communicate the rule change. Various voices argued that had this regulation been widely publicized from the start, teams would have approached their matches differently.
In response, Magogo defended the Federation’s actions, emphasizing that the rule was amended and communicated to all stakeholders.
He stated, “Football is a highly regulated sport, it is a game of rules and regulations and what this means, is that you cannot play soccer without rules.”
“These rules are made not to favor and/or target any one/team. They are made before and communicated so it is always in your best interest to learn and understand them before you take part. You not reading and acquainting yourself with the rules that exist can never be an excuse,” he added.
Following the revelation of the new rule, the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League table has been revised as Vipers and BUL are currently tied on 49 points, with the former having a superior goal of +21 compared to the latter’s +15 difference. The head-to-head record, however, is firmly in favor of BUL, who have beaten Vipers both home and away this season and now top the table.
