FUFA rule 31 to decide fate of abandoned KCCA Vs UPDF clash
David GOMBE
The fate of the abandoned Uganda Premier League clash between KCCA FC and UPDF FC will be decided by FUFA Competitions Rules 2026/27, Rule 31, which governs floodlight failures.
The match at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Thursday evening was abandoned after the stadium floodlights failed, with KCCA FC later issuing an apology and confirming they await communication from FUFA.
According to Rule 31 (5), in the event of a failure of the lights, the referee shall suspend the match for up to 30 minutes, or until the lights are restored, whichever comes first. If the lights cannot be restored to the licensed standards within 30 minutes, the referee will abandon the match.
Rule 31 (6) then outlines what happens after abandonment, subject to investigation:
If the investigation proves the home team is at fault or benefits from the action, the home team shall lose the match by forfeiture, with further disciplinary action possible by the FUFA Judicial Centre (FJC).
If it is proved to be the cause and benefit of the away team, the away team shall lose the match by forfeiture and face further disciplinary action.
If it is deemed an unavoidable circumstance, the decision will depend on the time played:
•If less than 70 minutes had been played, the match will be rescheduled by the TDC as a Continuation of Play Match.
•If 70 minutes or more had been played and the result was in favour of the home club, the two captains may agree in writing for the result at abandonment to stand as final. If there is no consent, the match will be rescheduled to be continued for the remaining minutes.
• If 70 minutes or more had been played and the result was in favour of the away club, the match will be rescheduled to be continued for the remaining minutes.
The rule also states that if it is found that the failure was influenced or facilitated by any club for sporting or other benefit, the FJC will determine the decision to uphold the integrity of the competition.
FUFA is now expected to institute investigations to establish the cause of the failure at Lugogo before a final decision is made on the KCCA FC vs UPDF FC fixture.