Title Chasing Express FC Hoping For Lady Luck to Smile

Express FC’s hopes of winning the 2020-2021 Uganda Premier League title were further bolstered following the halting of the current league season.

FUFA called off league games after President Museveni suspended gatherings and sporting events for 42 days in the bid to arrest the escalating numbers of Covid19 infections in the country.

And just like last season when Vipers SC won the StarTimes Uganda Premier League through a boardroom decision with few games to conclusion, Express FC could be crowned champions in similar fashion, hoisting their seventh title in the process.

Former club President and FUFA 3rd Vice president Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi wrote to FUFA requesting them to announce Express FC as this season’s Champions due the current trying moments due to Covid-19.

What the rules say.
Champions can be determined using article 18, sections C and D of the competition rules in case the league can’t play on.

The article states that in case of situations, like Covid19, when the league can’t countinue and it has been played 75% (which is the current league status), the club on top of the table standings can be declared winner.

“Where at least one club has played more than 75% of the league, the following formula shall be used by TOC( Tournament Organising Committee) to determine the table options for the respective group,”
Total number of points earned from the number of games played divided by the number of games played,” reads part of the rules.

By the time the league was suspended, four games were left to play.

The six time champions were leading the pack with 58 points, one shy of second placed URA and three ahead of third placed Vipers SC.

“The first issue now is to see whether we wait for the 42 days to end or not. But we’re not sure after this period, Sports activities would resume.” UPL CEO Benarnd Bainamani said.

“The second issue is to declare the league Champions like it was done last season in accordance with the 75 percentage rule.”

But internal consultations are now going on and we shall come out with the official communication.” Bainamani added.

Reports are rife that FUFA and other federations are planning to meet and convince the Prime Minister to give then a one week threshold to complete their respective leagues.

Express FC has been a team to beat this season, string up top notch performances and it’s no surprise that they are current table leaders.

Neutrals are hoping that the league be decided on sporting merit rather than on boardroom decision like it was last season.


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