NEC FC clear doubts, confirm fixture against URA FC amid format dispute

NEC FC have confirmed they will honour their Uganda Premier League fixture against URA FC this Thursday at Nakivubo Stadium, putting to rest concerns over their participation in the new season.

Uncertainty had loomed after NEC, alongside SC Villa and Vipers SC, staged a walkout from a league meeting earlier this month in protest against the newly adopted competition format, which was approved by the majority of clubs.

In a statement issued through their official social media platforms, the club remarked:

“The focus shifts to the mandatory fixture, which we must play despite our disagreement with the new league format, as other engagements continue.”

NEC missed out on the opening matchday as they were engaged in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they were eliminated last Saturday by Nairobi United.

The side, guided by head coach Hussein Mbalangu, impressed last season with a strong campaign, finishing second on 67 points—just two shy of eventual champions Vipers SC. With several reinforcements brought in during the transfer window, NEC remain confident of mounting another title challenge.

While NEC’s position has now been clarified, Villa and Vipers have yet to reveal their stance, leaving uncertainty over Saturday’s scheduled double-header fixtures.

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