Sony Sugar FC expelled from the Kenyan Premier League

Sony Sugar FC 26 year’s association with the Kenyan Premier League came to a close after failing to honor their game against Zoo Kericho.

Sony had two walkovers against AFC leopards and Tusker FC previously and with a third of the same against Zoo FC sealing their fate; KPL rules stating that any team that is to forfeit three games in a season shall face expulsion.

The players went for months without pay after their main sponsors, Sony Sugar Factory revoked their sponsorship from the team. A sponsor was found at the start of the season but they too vanished even before the season could pick up.

Sony had failed to travel on time for the Wednesday clash with a section of the group having broken camp earlier in the week. The match officials decided to push the game to 4 pm after it was scheduled for 3pm.

The long journey on Wednesday from Awendo was to see the team arrive nine minutes past the 4 pm deadline; lateness that was not condoned by the officials and it was decided that the game couldn’t be played.

Confirming Sony’s suspension and relegation, “The law has to be followed and the same shall befall Chemelil Sugar FC if they miss their next match. Chemelil also failed to honour their league match against KCB at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos. Sony Sugar management called me after the lapse of 48 hours that they would be late for the match. They didn’t notify us in writing and reached the venue when match referee had concluded the game would. The law is very clear and as at now, they stand suspended and will definitely play next season in the lower league,” KPL CEO Jack Oguda said.

Formed in 1982, the club earned promotion to the Kenyan Premier League in 1993 and has been in the top flight since. They won the league title in 2005 and finished fifth last season.