UPDF rejects FUFA disciplinary panel ruling on abandoned KCCA clash, to Appeal
David GOMBE
UPDF FC has rejected the ruling of the FUFA Disciplinary Panel regarding their abandoned Uganda Premier League fixture against KCCA FC.
The match at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Thursday, 22nd October 2026 was abandoned in the 8th minute following a floodlight failure at the venue.
In a ruling issued on 29th October 2026, the FUFA Disciplinary Panel ordered that the fixture be rescheduled as a continuation-of-play match from the minute it was stopped and fined KCCA FC with shs1m.
However, UPDF FC has noted the decision and says it disagrees with it.
In a statement released by the club, UPDF confirmed they have instructed their legal team to pursue the matter through the appeal channels provided under FUFA regulations.
“After careful review, the Club respectfully disagrees with the decision to reschedule the fixture as a continuation-of-play match therefore the Club has instructed its legal team to pursue the matter through the appeal channels provided under FUFA regulations,” the statement read in part.
“UPDF FC remains committed to the rules and spirit of the game and will make no further comment while the process is ongoing. We thank our players, fans, and stakeholders for their patience and support.”
The army side will be hoping the Appeals Committee overturns the continuation order, with the club, arguing the home club is responsible for ensuring venue readiness including lighting.
The game was still goalless at the time of the blackout at Lugogo which forced the referee to call off the game.FUFA is yet to set a date for the fixture.
Meanwhile, 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.