Sonko Demands Replay of Harambee Stars’ CHAN Quarter-Final Match – Here’s What CAF Rules Say
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has officially filed a petition challenging Harambee Stars’ elimination from the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-finals, where Kenya was edged out by Madagascar.
The petition, lodged in Cairo within the 48-hour deadline, has been formally submitted to CAF (the Confederation of African Football), the Madagascar national team, and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
In his affidavit, Sonko is seeking interim measures to suspend the outcome of the penalty shootout that saw Madagascar defeat Kenya. He argues that two goals scored by Harambee Stars were wrongly disallowed, which denied the team a fair opportunity to advance to the semifinals.
“The actions of the match officials during the Kenya versus Madagascar quarter-final game were highly prejudicial to the Republic of Kenya and the Applicant/Complainant, as they violate provisions outlined in CAF statutes and the Code,” part of Sonko’s submission reads.
His petition has sparked questions about when a football match can be suspended or replayed. Both FIFA and CAF have clear rules governing such situations, outlining the circumstances under which matches can be halted or repeated.
When a Match Can Be Replayed or Suspended
According to FIFA’s International Football Association Board (IFAB), Law 7.5 of the Laws of the Game states that “an abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules or organisers decide otherwise.” Importantly, it is the competition organizers, not the referee, who have the authority to order a replay.
Matches are typically replayed if external factors make it unsafe or impossible to continue playing. Extreme weather, such as heavy rain, flooding, poor pitch conditions, or lightning, can make a field unplayable. In these situations, FIFA allows matches to be replayed so that no team suffers unfairly due to conditions beyond their control.
Security concerns can also force a match to be abandoned, potentially leading to a replay. Incidents such as crowd riots, pitch invasions, or violence make it unsafe to continue the game.
FIFA emphasizes that any abandoned match must be reviewed by the competition authority, which then decides whether a replay is necessary.
CAF’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) holds similar powers. They can order a replay in cases of extreme weather, stadium issues, or safety concerns.
However, if a match is abandoned due to deliberate misconduct by one of the teams, CAF may instead award the victory to the opponent rather than schedule a replay.
There is also a distinction between suspension and abandonment. A match may be temporarily suspended due to a heavy downpour, power outage, or other minor disruptions. Once conditions improve, play can resume.
If the delay is prolonged, the referee may declare the match abandoned, and the organizers then decide the next steps.
Additionally, a game must be stopped if a team cannot field at least seven players due to injuries, red cards, or other disruptions. Extraordinary events like political unrest, public health crises, or natural disasters can also force organizers to reschedule the match or move it to a neutral venue.
Referee Decisions and Replays
FIFA regulations are clear that decisions made by referees on factual matters during a match are final and cannot be reviewed after the game.
This includes awarding goals, penalties, and disciplinary actions like yellow or red cards. Law 5 of the Laws of the Game states explicitly, “the decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final.”
However, if a referee makes a clear error in applying the Laws of the Game—for example, allowing an ineligible player to participate or miscounting penalty kicks—the competition authorities may intervene. In such cases, a replay could be ordered.
CAF follows the same principle. Poor judgment or human error by a referee usually does not justify a replay. However, if there is evidence of bias, corruption, or deliberate manipulation, CAF can initiate disciplinary proceedings. Based on the findings, the Organising Committee may annul the match result and either order a replay or award the victory to one team.
Next Steps for Sonko’s Petition
The CAF Disciplinary Board will now review Sonko’s petition. They are expected to issue a ruling before August 26, the scheduled date for Madagascar’s semifinal match against Sudan. Sonko has also requested that the Board implement interim measures to prevent Madagascar from playing the semifinal until his complaint is resolved.
Meanwhile, Harambee Stars’ hope of reaching the CHAN semifinals ended after Madagascar won 4-3 on penalties at Moi Stadium, Kasarani. The match had been tightly contested, finishing 1-1 after regular and extra time.
Kenya, making its debut in this second-tier continental tournament, saw two players, Mike Kibwage and Alphonce Omija, miss crucial penalty kicks, allowing Madagascar to advance to the semifinals in their third CHAN appearance.
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