FKF National Super League side Shabana FC will have their coach, Gilbert Selebwa and Goalkeeper trainer, Geoffrey Atoti, back on the touchline.
This follows the FKF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to lift a suspension on the two, following a hearing on Thursday, February 21, 2019, at FKF House, Goal Project.
Accusations had been levelled against coach Selebwa that in disputing an offside call made by the First Assistant Referee in their match against Eldoret Youth played on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at the Eldoret Showgrounds, he attacked him (the first Assistant Referee) and later walked into the field of play and also attacked the Center Referee.
It is also alleged that after the final whistle, Shabana FC Goalkeeper Trainer Geoffrey Atoti attacked the First Assistant Referee.
FKF consequently suspended the two from taking part in all FKF organized Leagues and Competitions until the submission of their cases to the FKF Disciplinary Committee, cases that have since gone in their favor.
“As to whether Football Kenya Federation was justified in suspending Gilbert Selebwa and Geoffrey Atoti pending the hearing and determination of this case, we find that Clause 7.12 of the Rules of Kenyan Football gives powers to the Federation to take such action to suspend any member, such member including an official of a football club,” read part of the ruling by the committee.
“However, having taken such a drastic step that affects a member, the Federation should have set down the hearing within a short period preferably not later than ten days after the suspension to avoid the likelihood of any innocent member being punished for an accusation he or she may successfully defend himself or herself against,” continued the ruling, which also directed that Mr. Selebwa and Atoti’s suspension be lifted without any further action against them.
“As to whether the accusation of misconduct levelled against Gilbert Selebwa and Geoffrey Atoti were proved, we find that the same were not proved,”
“Consequent upon the above findings, and as to what orders, declarations and reliefs this Committee should grant, the following are the directions of the Committee:
- We order that the suspension imposed upon Gilbert Selebwa and Geoffrey Atoti is lifted with immediate effect and that no further action is taken against the two members.
- We order that each party bears the costs of these proceedings.
- The decision of the Committee is unanimous,” concluded the ruling.
Shabana managed a 1-0 win away to Thika United in Selebwa’s first match on the touchline, and will next face Administration Police on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at Camp Toyoyo.