Shabana FC Fights Back in Court After Fan Ban Over Ulinzi Stadium Violence
By Collins Wanzallah
Shabana Football Club has taken its battle to the courts, filing an urgent appeal before the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) to overturn a ban imposed by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). The club’s legal team is pushing back against accusations that their supporters were involved in the violence and destruction of property during last weekend’s match at Ulinzi Complex Stadium in Nairobi.
The chaos that erupted at the stadium has landed Shabana FC in hot water, with FKF slapping a five-match ban on the club’s supporters. If upheld, the ruling will prevent fans from attending home games, a move that Shabana’s lawyers argue will cripple the club financially.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, a team of city lawyers – Danstan Omari, Shadrack Wambui, Sam Nyaberi, and Paul Macharia – came out swinging, arguing that Shabana FC stands to lose millions in revenue from the absence of their loyal fanbase.
Omari made it clear that there is no direct evidence linking Shabana’s supporters to the damage at the stadium. “Not a single piece of CCTV footage or witness statement shows that Shabana fans were responsible,” he said, adding that Ulinzi Stars fans could just as easily have been behind the chaos.
“This decision is overly harsh,” Omari continued. “None of the Shabana fans were given a chance to defend themselves, and there seems to be a plot to stifle the talent coming out of Gusii land.”
The legal team also highlighted the significant economic impact the ban would have on the local community. “Hotels are fully booked ahead of the return match in Gusii, and small businesses like mama mbogas and those selling bananas will lose big if the fans are kept away, especially those travelling from the city,” Omari said.
The lawyers are now calling for intervention from President William Ruto, Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and Gusii leaders to step in and prevent what they describe as an unfair attack on the club. Omari hinted that powerful forces, whom he referred to as “cartels,” are behind the move to weaken Shabana FC.
The heated clash between Ulinzi Stars and Shabana FC ended in a 2-2 draw, but the fallout has been explosive. Yesterday, FKF chairman Michael Majua issued a directive banning Shabana fans for five matches and ordering the club to cover all medical expenses for officers injured in the fracas.
The club’s supporters now await the tribunal’s decision, hoping that justice will be served and they will be allowed back into the stands to cheer on their team.
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Former Footballer Collins Okoth Arraigned Over Murder Charges
By THE DISPATCH DIGITAL REPORTER
Former Harambee Stars player Collins Okoth Ougo, famously known as Gattuso, was arraigned today alongside his co-accused, Silvia Aoko, in connection with the murder of a minor in Lucky Summer Estate, Ruaraka, Nairobi. The duo appeared before Justice Alexander Muteti at the Milimani Law Courts, where they were expected to plead to the charges. However, they did not do so, as the court awaits the filing of mental assessment reports on 11th September 2024.
The prosecution confirmed that both suspects had undergone medical evaluations as part of the legal process. During the court session, the Investigating Officer (I.O.) was summoned to clarify allegations that he had refused to release a mobile phone and money belonging to Mr. Okoth, who is well-known for his football career with several Kenyan Premier League clubs.
The I.O. informed the court that, during the arrest, a Samsung mobile phone and a wallet containing two identification cards and an NHIF card were recovered and recorded in an inventory signed by the suspect. Following this, Justice Muteti directed the officer to return the Samsung phone to Mr. Okoth and to file a formal complaint with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) if necessary.
Collins Okoth, a former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars midfielder, and his co-accused, Silvia Aoko Odhiambo, are accused of the murder of three-year-old Pamela Atieno, also known as Scovian Maya, in April 2024. The case has drawn significant public attention due to Okoth’s prominence in Kenyan football.
As investigations continue, Okoth remains in custody at the Industrial Area Remand Prison, while Aoko is being held at Lang’ata Women’s Prison. The outcome of the mental assessments and the subsequent court proceedings will determine the next steps in this high-profile case.
Euros Champion Morata Signs for AC Milan
Alvaro Morata signed for AC Milan from Atletico Madrid on Friday, the Spain striker returning to Serie A days after winning Euro 2024.
The 31-year-old has signed a four-year deal with Milan who brought him in to replace departed Olivier Giroud following the former France international’s transfer to Los Angeles FC.
“Morata has signed with the Rossoneri until 30 June 2028, with an option to extend for an additional year,” said Milan in a statement.
Italian media report that Milan paid Morata’s 13-million euro ($14.2 million) release clause and that the player will earn around 4.5 million euros per season.
Morata played in every match in Spain’s triumph at the Euros, netting his only goal of the tournament in La Roja’s 3-0 thumping of Croatia which kicked off their campaign in Germany.
He has scored 36 goals in 80 international appearances for his country.
Morata returns to Italy after two spells with Milan’s rivals Juventus, where he won two league titles and three Italian Cups.
Morata has also won the FA Cup with Chelsea and featured in two triumphant Champions League campaigns with Real Madrid, in 2014 annd 2017.
Milan, who finished second in Serie A last season but 19 points behind champions Inter Milan, begin the league season under new coach Paulo Fonseca with the visit of Torino on August 17.
BY AFP
Everton Takeover Talks Called Off
Everton’s potential sale to the Friedkin Group will not go ahead after the Premier League club failed to reach an agreement with the American investors.
Led by US billionaire Dan Friedkin, the group entered a period of exclusivity to negotiate a possible purchase on June 21.
However, the Goodison Park outfit said on Friday that no deal had been struck between Friedkin and the club’s majority owner Farhad Moshiri.
It is the second time this year that Everton have been unable to push through a sale after a deal with Miami-based firm 777 partners also broke down.
“Discussions between Blue Heaven Holdings and the Friedkin Group over a potential sale of a majority stake in Everton have ended and the Friedkin Group will not be progressing with a purchase of the club,” a statement from the Merseyside club read.
“Both Blue Heaven Holdings and The Friedkin Group entered discussions in good faith to explore whether a sale could be agreed. Those discussions have concluded. The parties agree it is in both their interests for Everton to explore alternative options.”
Everton said the Friedkin Group would remain a lender to the club, who were twice docked points last season over breaches of Premier League financial rules.
The Friedkin Group also owns a controlling stake in Italian side Roma.
Moshiri, who bought a 49.9 percent share in Everton in 2016, is the Toffees’ majority owner with a 94 percent stake.
“Blue Heaven Holdings maintains a positive relationship with The Friedkin Group and would like to thank them for the time and effort they have put into this process,” the Everton statement added.
-AFP
Manchester United Sign 18-year-old French Defender Yoro
Manchester United have bought teenage French defender Leny Yoro from Lille, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.
United said they had signed the 18-year-old until June 2029. British media reported that United were paying Lille 62 million euros (52.2 million pounds) with 8 million euros in potential add ons.
“Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honour,” Yoro told the Manchester United website.
Yoro made his professional debut for Lille in May 2022 and went on to make 46 Ligue 1 appearances for the club.
“Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class centre-back,” said Dan Ashworth, Manchester United’s sporting director.
Olivier Letang, the Lille president, said he was proud of Yoro.
“We’re always sad when a boy leaves the club,” Letang told the Lille website. “But we’re also happy and proud when these boys, who arrived young, become men and top-level footballers.”
By AFP
Marseille Sign Greenwood from Man Utd Amid Controversy
Marseille have signed striker Mason Greenwood from Manchester United, the Ligue 1 side announced on Thursday, despite the objection of some of the French club’s fans.
The 22-year-old, who has played once for England, was suspended in January 2022 by Manchester United following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault but prosecutors dropped charges in February 2023. He spent last season on loan at Getafe in La Liga.
“Olympique de Marseille are delighted to announce the signing of Mason Greenwood from Manchester United. The 22-year-old striker has signed for the club following a successful medical,” said the French club on their website.
Marseille made no mention of the allegations in their statement. They called Greenwood “a precocious talent” and an “English nugget”.
The southern club, eighth in Ligue 1 last season, said their new striker will wear the number 10 shirt but did not specify the length of his contract or mention any fee to Manchester United.
However the deal is reported to be worth an estimated 30 million euros ($32.7m).
“We wish Mason all the best in his future career,” said United on their website.
Before the transfer became official, Marseille’s left-wing mayor Benoit Payan told French media: “I don’t want my club to be covered by shame.”
Greenwood has always denied the allegations.
“I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges,” he said when he joined Getafe.
“However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship.”
Greenwood made his debut for Manchester United aged 17 years and 156 days in the Champions League in 2019 and his Premier League debut four days later. He made his debut for England in September 2020.
The forward made 129 appearances and scored 35 goals for United but had not played for the Premier League club since January 2022.
Greenwood scored 10 goals in 36 games for Getafe last season.
His arrival in Marseille comes the day after the official departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gabon international who was Marseille’s top scorer last season.
Marseille face Sunderland in a pre-season friendly on August 3 in Bradford, where Greenwood was born.
If he plays it could be his first game in England since he was arrested in January 2022 following allegations made against him.