By Eric Odanga BBC Sport, Nairobi

Kenyan fans will have no Champions League action this year

Kenya's Ulinzi FC risk a ban from African club competitions after they withdrew from their preliminary Champions League match against DR Congo's ASV.

The Armed Forces side pulled out on Friday evening because they could not raise money for travel and accommodation.

Spokesman Bogita Ongeri said that the initial decision not to honour the tie was taken on Wednesday.

"The DR Congo trip was not affordable but plans for the team to participate in the Cecafa club championship were approved," he said.

Last year, Ulinzi asked the Kenyan Football Federation (KFF) for financial assistance but they failed to receive a positive response.

Ulinzi replaced original league winners Nzoia Sugar, who withdrew from the KFF-organised Premier League to compete in a league organised by a splinter group.

Before their withdrawal, there had been no sign that the team would pull out, especially since they had signed ten players for the new season.

According to Caf statutes, Ulinzi will be fined US $1,500 and risk a three-year ban for their decision not to participate in the Champions League.

Other sanctions that could be imposed by Caf include the payment of expenses incurred by the DRC club towards the tie.

Ulinzi's departure leaves Chemelil Sugar as the country's sole representative in the continent - and they play in the newly-introduced Confederation Cup.

KFF secretary general Hussein Swaleh said it was unfortunate that Ulinzi withdrew from the Champions League.

"We were not aware that Ulinzi were having problems," he said.

"It is a big blow for our football."