The Federation of Uganda Football Associations has dismissed a petition from Police FC over the eligibility of Lugazi FC forward Umar Kyebatala and upheld the result of their Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 32 clash.
Lugazi beat Police 2 to 1 last month at Kira Road Arena, with Kyebatala scoring both goals to send the Big League side into the round of 16. Police later challenged the result, questioning the striker’s eligibility in the competition.
Police argued that Kyebatala had earlier appeared for non league side Football Classroom in the preliminary round against Red Ants before completing a move to Lugazi. The club therefore claimed the forward had featured for two teams in the same edition of the tournament.
FUFA rejected the claim in its ruling, explaining that the regulation only applies to players registered for the competition with the federation starting from the round of 64 stage.
Kyebatala had not been registered as a Football Classroom player for the tournament, and Lugazi lawfully entered him after his transfer.
The decision confirms Lugazi’s victory and sends them into the round of 16, where they will face NEC FC on Tuesday, March 17 at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake.
Elsewhere in the round of 16, Happy Boys Kagaba host Six O’clock at Kagaba Playground in Kassanda, KCCA FC face Onduparaka FC, Kitara FC take on Bunyaruguru United in Hoima, while defending champions Vipers SC welcome Iganga United at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, among other fixtures.
