Sonko Wants Harambee Stars Match Replayed – Here’s When CAF Allows It

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has filed a petition challenging Harambee Stars’ elimination from the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-finals by Madagascar.
The petition, lodged in Cairo within the required 48 hours, has been served to CAF, the Madagascar national team, and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
In his affidavit, Sonko seeks interim orders to suspend the penalty shootout results that saw Madagascar edge out Kenya. He argues that two goals scored by Harambee Stars were wrongly disallowed, denying the team a fair chance to progress.
”The conduct by the match officials in the Kenya versus Madagascar quarter-final game is greatly prejudicial to the Republic of Kenya and the Applicant/Complainant herein, as it contravenes the provisions of the CAF statutes and Code,” reads part of the papers submitted by Sonko.
The case has raised questions on the circumstances under which a football match can be suspended or replayed, with both FIFA and CAF regulations providing clear guidelines.
Kenyans.co.kebreaks down the circumstances under which a match can bereplayed or suspended in response to Sonko’s petition.
According to FIFA’s International Football Association Board (IFAB), Law 7.5 of the Laws of the Game states that “an abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules or organisers determine otherwise.” The authority to order a replay rests with the competition organisers rather than the referee.
Matches are often replayed if playing conditions become unsafe. Heavy rain, flooding, poor pitch quality, or lightning can make the field unplayable; therefore, in such cases, FIFA allows for a replay to ensure no team suffers unfairly from factors beyond their control.
According to FIFA, security breaches may also force abandonment and possible replay. Pitch invasions, riots, or crowd violence can make it impossible to continue safely, with FIFA emphasising that abandoned matches must be reviewed by the competition authority for a replay decision.
The CAF’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) has the power to order a replay in cases of weather disruptions, stadium problems, or security concerns. However, if abandonment is caused by deliberate misconduct by one team, CAF may award the victory to the opponent instead of scheduling a replay.
The regulations also differentiate between suspension and abandonment. A match may be temporarily suspended due to heavy downpour or power failure, with play resuming once conditions improve.
If the delay is prolonged, the referee declares the match abandoned and the organisers decide the next step.
Further, a game must be stopped if a team cannot field at least seven players due to injuries, red cards, or other disruptions. Extraordinary external events such as political unrest, health crises, or natural disasters may also force organisers to reschedule or move the fixture to a neutral venue.
FIFA regulations are clear that decisions made by the referee on matters of fact during a match are considered final and cannot be reviewed after the game. This includes awarding of goals, penalties, or disciplinary measures such as yellow and red cards. Law 5 of the Laws of the Game expressly states that “the decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final.”
However, if a referee makes a decision based on a clear error linked to misapplication of the Laws of the Game, competition authorities may intervene. For instance, if a referee wrongly applies a rule, such as allowing an ineligible player to take part or miscounting penalty kicks, the governing body may order a replay.
CAF applies the same principle. While poor judgment or human error by a referee does not normally justify a replay, situations where there is evidence of bias, corruption, or manipulation can trigger disciplinary proceedings. In such cases, the Organising Committee may annul the result and either order a replay or award the match depending on the findings.
It now remains to be seen what decision the CAF Disciplinary Board will render, as it must issue a ruling before August 26, when Madagascar is scheduled to face Sudan in the semifinals. Sonko has further urged the Board to issue interim provisional measures to stop the semifinal match between Madagascar and Sudan, pending the determination of his complaint.
Meanwhile, Harambee Stars’ dream of advancing to the semifinals of the African Nations Championships was cut short by Madagascar, falling 4-3 on post-match penalties at Moi Stadium, Kasarani. The teams had played out to a tense 1-1 draw after regular and extra time.
Kenya, debutants at the continent’s second-tier tournament, missed two spot kicks through Mike Kibwage and Alphonce Omija as theislanders progressed to the semis in their third tournament.