Gor Mahia disqualified from the 1974 Africa Champions League

In November 1973, Kenneth Matiba formed the Kenya Football League. He had the support of the majority of football clubs. Previously the league had been run by the Kenya Football Association led by Williams Ngaah. Most clubs were unhappy with the KFA and opted to join Matiba’s  group.

The three teams that decided against joining the the Kenya Football League were Abaluhya FC, Abeingo and Western Stars. Those three teams ended up not playing local competitive football in 1974. Gor Mahia won the league in 1974 and thus earned the right to represent Kenya in the 1975 Africa cup of champions.

When Abaluhya FC heard that Gor Mahia’s name had been forwaded to CAF as Kenya’s representatives, lodged an appeal to CAF. The letter was delivered by Isaac Lugonzo. CAF removed Gor Mahia from the tournament claiming Gor Mahia’s entry was time barred.  Kenneth Matiba was not amused and sent a delegation to the CAF headquarters to appeal. He was unable to reverse the decision and Gor Mahia were disqualified.