David GOMBE
FUFA has decided to drop the controversial new league format with immediate effect. The Uganda Premier League will now be played using the old and known home and away format which has been in existence since the 1960s.
FUFA President Moses Magogo says they will use the next one year to explain the ‘new format’ that has been rejected by fans and reigning league champions Vipers SC leaving stadiums empty this season.
“FUFA Executive Committee suspends new format of the 2025/2026 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season.The FUFA Executive Committee has taken a decision to suspend the format of the 2025/2026 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season after consultations with the UPL clubs, league sponsors and the Uganda Premier League Board.
Rule 14:4-12 of the FUFA Competition Rules 2025 will now not apply for this season. The suspension will allow stakeholders more time to understand the new UPL reforms through various forms of sensitization.” Read a statement from FUFA
NEC FC and SC Villa were the other sides were playing league games this season under duress and protest.
In August this year, FUFA introduced the multi three new league format but since then it has faced criticism among fans and clubs. Among the reforms that have been protested against include the rationale in which match day proceeds are shared by the clubs and the sophisticated format in the title winner will be determined.
Vipers SC President Dr Lawrence Mulindwa had earlier this month confirmed that he was ready to leave Ugandan football and concentrate on other things in case FUFA decided to continue with the new format. Vipers were also ready to use all football related avenues for justice while fans were not ready to return to stadiums in this season.
