This archive report was first published on 4 June 2020.
Kenyan Premier League (KPL) management will convene a Governing Council meeting next week to draw out a plan for football resumption, even before a case at the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) over Football Kenya Federation's decision to end the season is heard and determined.
According to a statement by KPL, the meeting will be convened next week depending on the new measures that the Government will announce to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic following the lapse of the 21-day nationwide curfew and cessation of movements in certain counties and local administrative areas on Saturday.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to make an announcement over the state of the nationwide curfew as well as rules on cessation of movement in and out of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and Mandera counties.
The KPL's decision to convene a meeting comes even as the league faces financial difficulties, including unpaid referees and league winning prize money to Gor Mahia for their triumph last season.
Looking at the protocols put out by FIFA for football to return worldwide, it will be an interesting watch to see if the financially struggling KPL clubs will be able to implement the guidelines, which include social distancing on travels and accommodation, regular testing of players and personnel, and not sharing hotel rooms.
With clubs already struggling to pay player salaries, the cost of testing, which will definitely fall on their quarters, will be an additional financial burden on the teams.
On Wednesday, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) boss Nick Mwendwa announced they will be waiting for government directives before announcing a roadmap for return to football in anticipation for next season.
The only African league which has continued at this period is Burundi, which is set to conclude their campaign next month, while Tanzania will resume on June 14.
