Reports indicate that KCCA is preparing to escalate its dispute with FUFA to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following the federation’s decision to uphold the club’s forfeiture of their Uganda Premier League (UPL) match against Mbarara City.
Renowned journalist Clive Kyazze of CK Sports revealed the development, though the club has yet to officially comment on the speculation.
KCCA lost three points after FUFA ruled that they had fielded an ineligible player, Gavin Kizito. The club, however, insists it had clearance from the Uganda Premier League (UPL) secretariat, arguing that FUFA’s Competitions Department does not directly manage league operations.
With their appeal rejected at the local level, the club now appears to be exploring legal options on an international stage.
CAS Jurisdiction and What It Means for KCCA
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), based in Lausanne, Switzerland, is the highest authority for resolving sports-related disputes worldwide.
It handles cases involving eligibility issues, disciplinary actions, contract disputes, and appeals against decisions made by national and international governing bodies.
Its rulings are final and binding, except in rare cases where they can be challenged in the Swiss Federal Tribunal.
If KCCA proceeds with a petition, it would mark a rare but significant move for Ugandan football.
Previous Ugandan cases at CAS include Daniel Walusimbi’s challenge against FIFA in 2016 over the governance of FUFA, though the outcome of that case was never publicly disclosed.
Can KCCA Win an Appeal?
Clubs worldwide have successfully overturned disciplinary rulings through CAS, particularly in cases involving player eligibility.
Factors that could work in KCCA’s favor include:
- Procedural Errors: If the club can prove FUFA failed to properly consider the evidence provided, particularly their communication with the UPL secretariat.
- New Evidence: If KCCA presents additional proof of their due diligence in verifying Kizito’s eligibility.
- Interpretation of Rules: The club may argue that FUFA’s regulations on eligibility and disciplinary oversight were misapplied.
Recent high-profile CAS cases, such as Manchester City’s successful appeal against UEFA’s Financial Fair Play sanctions and Real Madrid’s partial overturning of a FIFA transfer ban, show that governing body decisions are not always final.
However, CAS cases are costly and time-consuming, and KCCA would need to prove that FUFA’s ruling was legally flawed.
KCCA face NEC today, followed by a crucial clash with league leaders Vipers on February 16.
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