MAGOGO: Rules were set pre-season, FUFA not sabotaging Vipers

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | There is a fresh clash between FUFA President Moses Magogo and his predecessor, Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, over allegations that FUFA attempted to sabotage Vipers SC’s chances of winning last season’s trophy.

On Wednesday, while unveiling Vipers’ new coach Nikola Kavazovic, Mulindwa who is the Vipers SC club President told journalists that he was shocked towards the end of last season when FUFA introduced a new team ranking format to determine the league champion.

The new rule prioritizes head-to-head results over the traditional goal difference to determine the league champions. This change gained prominence in May this year when BUL FC and Vipers SC were tied on points, a few games to the end of the season.

This was contrary to the traditional means where goal difference was used to break the tie, but under the new format, BUL FC topped the table due to their head-to-head victories against Vipers SC, having defeated them both home and away.

Mulindwa explained that the rule change was a deliberate move by FUFA to disadvantage Vipers from winning the league in any case these two teams were tied on points at the end of the season since Vipers SC had a superior goal difference compared to BUL FC.

He criticized the timing of FUFA’s announcement saying it was unfair. He also blamed the FA for leaving the goal difference which entertains fans and zeroing down to a head-to-head format.

“If you come out, two games to the end or three, and bring out something new and say head to head, the timing itself, does it make sense? Even if I was not on top, it was uncalled for,” Mulindwa said.

Eventually, Vipers finished third on the table below BUL FC which came second with 56 points each, while SC Villa won the league with 57 points, ad Mulindwa said he was happy because it was instead SC Villa that eventually won, not BUL FC which was allegedly favored.

Now, in his response released on Friday evening, FUFA President Magogo said the rule was part of the 2023/24 FUFA Competitions Rules that were duly passed by the FUFA Executive Committee and communicated in Circular No. 1176 issued on 13th September 2023 before the kick-off of the 2023/24 Season.

“These Rules among others introduced ‘ Head-to-head’ ahead of ‘goal-difference’ to rank teams that tie on points when the need arises,” reads part of Magogo’s response.

He further explained that the rule change aimed to prevent scenarios where teams might engage in a goal race, which could tarnish the sport’s integrity. Magogo referenced the infamous 22-goal scandal from 20 years ago, noting that the league has not yet recovered from the damage caused.

“We also observed at the end of last season that both Vipers SC and KCCA FC, that scored genuine goals in their respective final matches of the season, could have been interpreted as predetermined goals ‘race when both scored 10 goals and stood a chance of winning the league by goal difference,” reads another part of the response

“It is therefore incorrect for Dr. Mulindwa to refer to these regulations as kangaroo rules and regulations done by an individual to disadvantage Vipers SC or advantage any team. FUFA respects the persons investing their personal money and time into football, treats all clubs equally and we do not favor any team,” Magogo said.

****

URN