5 pointers from KBF Sports Dispute Tribunal ruling on playoffs

Kenya Basketball Federation has constantly made the headlines after an unnamed player fielded by Ulinzi Warriors was ruled to be ineligible.

Ulinzi Warriors have now been fined after the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT) ruled that indeed they violated the league and competition rules in the playoffs game against Lakeside.

Let’s look at key pointers into what exactly the ruling means.

League Standings Remain the Same

With the SDT ruling that happened on June 15, the league series is set to carry on as normal.

Even though the ineligible player had featured in previous games before the playoffs, what was being handled by the tribunal was the moment the player featured against Lakeside.

Only Playoffs Affected

With the ruling at hand, Ulinzi will face a fine in accordance with the League and Competition rules. The Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) will therefore meet the cost of restarting the playoffs.

Lakeside Awarded Victory

Ulinzi Warriors had won the contentious game against the Kisumu side 2-1 in the best of three series to proceed to the semi-finals.

However, with the ruling, Lakeside have been awarded the win and will proceed on to face Strathmore Blades to determine who faces the reigning champions KPA.

Ulinzi Reached Playoffs Legally

Even though the SDT have declared the playoffs null and void, Ulinzi Warriors surprisingly had their previous games (regular season) with the ineligible player regarded to be legal.

This therefore goes contrary to the ruling but still shows how Ulinzi Warriors had earned their spot in the play-offs until Kenya Morans’ head of Covid-19, Dennis Achiego, filed a case with the SDT on April 13, calling for the Warriors to be disqualified.

2 Playoffs-series Takes 4 Weekends

First 2 games of the new playoffs’ series (Lakeside Vs Blades) will take place in Kisumu then back in Nairobi for 2 more games with an option of a third if both Teams draw. The last game will be the finals with the KBF yet to confirm the set venue.

With a fine imposed on Ulinzi Warriors, KBF will now meet the cost of restarting the playoffs in accordance with the League and Competition rules.

KBF secretary Ambrose Kisoi said they were due to meet as a federation and find the way forward on the issue. “We will meet and deliberate after which we will talk to our lawyer and give direction,” said Kisoi.

“Another thing we will look at is to continue with the new season that is already ongoing even as we play the semis,” added Kisoi.