Stakeholders poke holes in BetKing sponsorship deal

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa Thursday announced he had negotiated a Sh1.2 billion sponsorship package with gaming firm Betking, a deal he adds will vastly improve on the fortunes of the country's top-flight football league.

Further, Mwendwa officially announced a divorce between FKF and the Kenya Premier League (KPL) Limited, a company that has been running the top-flight football league on behalf of the federation for the past 15 years, and whose mandate is set to expire in September this year.

He also emphasized the Kenyan Premier League will henceforth be renamed the BetKing Premier League.

"Our players and officials have struggled so much (on the financial front) and this fantastic news of a record sponsorship will bring a smile to their faces," an excited Mwendwa, flanked by FKF's Chief Executive Barry Otieno, pointed out during a press briefing.

"As we approach taking over the management of the KPL, we've worked hard for the past year to ensure we run a professional and competitive league."

As per the terms of this five-year arrangement which has attracted praises, suspicion, and criticism from various football stakeholders, each of the 18 clubs competing in the league will receive a Sh8 million grant every year.

Each team will also receive 100 balls for the duration of the contract and will in return have to don uniforms with the BetKing logo on the sleeves.

"I spoke to the KPL chairman Ambrose Rachier and he was not consulted by FKF in regard to this new deal for the top league nor was anyone at the Kenyan Premier League," explained Jack Oguda, KPL's Chief Executive.

"Furthermore, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) was very clear in the ruling and therefore there's uncertainty with leadership at FKF. Therefore we cannot engage people who, according to the SDT ruling have no powers to operate," he added.

Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Wilson Oburu, who currently serves as an official at the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (Kefwa), added:

"I am keen to know how the players will benefit from this deal. Most deals tend to benefit officials as players suffer on the pitch. That is what the federation should spell out."

Kakamega Homeboyz owner and chairman Cleophas Shimanyula also questioned the authenticity of this deal.

"Nobody consulted me during negotiations (of this deal) yet I own a club. Mwendwa is playing politics and trying to fool us. I want to urge the authorities to investigate this Nigerian company, I am learning they do not sponsor even one local team in their country and they are supposedly splashing money here," offered Shimanyula.

Besides, Mwendwa has revealed that starting the 2020/21 season, all Kenyan Premier League matches will be live via a mobile phone application with subscribers paying to watch the games.

"The TV and broadcast industry is changing. We have to move with the times. Netflix, Amazon and Facebook are all going sports broadcasting and we have to be ready for such changes. All the games will be live on a digital app. Subscribers will pay Sh200 to watch a game of their choice and this will add up to the revenue that goes to the club."

The federation boss also announced a new tournament, which will be referred to as Super 16, will be launched next season. It will involve eight teams each from the Betking Premier League and the second-tier, Betika Super League.

BetKing representatives were not present at Thursday's press briefing.