Gor Mahia’s chances of making a return to the CAF Champions League suffered a major blow after the continental body locked them out of the competition over monies owed to their former three players.

According to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa, the Kenyan champions had been ordered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to pay arrears owed to Congolese import Yangayay Sando Sando, Burundian Jules Ulimwengu and Malian goalkeeper Adama Keita.

K’Ogalo had been given until yesterday at 5pm to clear the trios’ dues. According to CAF’s directives, K’Ogalo were to pay Yangayay Sh1 million, Ulimwengu was to be paid Sh900,000 and Keita was to pocket about Sh3 million. This is after the 20-time KPL title holders were reported to FIFA’s Disputes Resolution chamber over unpaid salaries and allowances.

“It is true we received a letter from CAF giving Gor Mahia a deadline of Thursday, July 20, to clear the aforementioned players before they are included in the draw to be held today but as of 5pm Gor Mahia had not settled the same,” Mwendwa told People Sport.

“We are now waiting for a response from CAF to know the way forward, we don’t know if they will ask us to replace Gor Mahia or if Kenya will end up having no representative in the Champions League competition.”

Gor Mahia were scheduled to make a return to the competition, having missed out on the last two campaigns. In the previous season, Tusker represented Kenya by virtue of winning the FKF Premier League title while last year, Kenya did not have a representative as the country was serving a FIFA ban.

However, this season Gor Mahia fought hard to reclaim the title from Tusker after they won the trophy on the final day of the season.

Even if Gor manages to clear with CAF by paying the players, they will still face challenges of stadium availability since Nyayo and Kasarani have been closed for renovation. FKF have already confirmed Gor will be forced to use Tanzania’s Azam Complex for their home matches in the competition.

Meanwhile, Kakamega Homeboyz will represent Kenya in the Confederation Cup after beating Tusker 1-0 to lift the Mozzart Bet FKF Cup.