This archive report was first published on 2 July 2021.
Published on July 2, 2021, the government had initially denied Football Kenya Federation (FKF) access to both the Nyayo Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, for the domestic cup final between archrivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.
The match was initially set for the Utali grounds in Nairobi, but on Friday, July 2, 2021, Gor Mahia team manager Jolawi Obondo revealed that he had been informed by the government that the game would be played at the Nyayo Stadium.
"We have received a communication that the match will be played at Nyayo stadium and I'm heading to the stadium for a meeting to plan on logistics ahead of the match. The game wouldn't be played at Utalii Grounds as earlier communicated," said Obondo.
However, FKF's Chief Executive Barry Otieno expressed surprise at the announcement, stating that the federation had not received any letter giving consent for the use of Nyayo Stadium for the Mashemeji Derby.
The game holds high stakes for both teams, with the winner receiving Sh2 million and an opportunity to represent the country in the 2021/2022 Caf Confederation Cup.
