UPDF FC has formally appealed the FUFA Judicial Committee decision ordering the continuation of their abandoned StarTimes Uganda Premier League fixture against KCCA FC. The army side filed the appeal on Saturday, signed by Club Chief Executive Officer Lt. Sheldon Turyamureeba, and copied to the CEOs of FUFA and the Uganda Premier League.
The match at MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo was halted in the 8th minute due to a sudden floodlight failure. The Judicial Committee subsequently ruled that the remaining minutes be played at a later date.
UPDF FC wants the decision overturned, citing procedural unfairness and the misapplication of competition regulations. The club argues the Judicial Committee entirely failed to involve or consult them during the investigative process despite being a key party.
UPDF FC claims they never received formal direct communication of the verdict via their official email address. Instead, officials learned of the decision through FUFA's public social media channels.
The appeal highlights Rule 31(5) which mandates a match suspension for up to 30 minutes following floodlight failure. If lights cannot be restored to licensed standards within that timeframe, the referee must abandon the match.
UPDF FC demands forfeiture under Rule 31(6)(a), arguing that if the home team is at fault for the failure, they must lose by forfeiture rather than being granted a continuation under Rule 31(6)(c).
KCCA chairman remarked the failure was due to a worn-out component in the stadium's power system and appealed for a replay instead of forfeiture. The subsequent reported suspension of approval for the stadium to host night matches further underscores the issue.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether FUFA's judicial process can withstand scrutiny when a club learns its fate on social media before official channels.
Key appeal grounds:
- Exclusion from Judicial Committee investigations
- No formal communication via official email
- Misapplication of Rule 31(5) and 31(6)
- Demand for KCCA forfeiture under Rule 31(6)(a)
- Stadium night-match licence reportedly suspended
Source: Kawowo Sports
