This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia are facing a financial crisis after the government shut down betting platforms of its shirt sponsor SportPesa on July 16, 2019.
The move has put the club's participation in the Caf Champions League at risk, according to Chairman Ambrose Rachier.
Speaking on KTN News Sports Chat, Rachier said, "It is doom and gloom. It is our prayer that the standoff between the government and betting firms is resolved amicably."
He added that SportPesa and other betting companies have invested millions of shillings in the sports industry, and any action taken by the government should consider the impact on the sector.
AFC Leopards' Dan Shikanda also expressed concerns about the shutdown, saying, "Ingwe depends a hundred per cent on SportPesa funding. We simply don’t know where we go from here."
Gor Mahia is currently in Rwanda representing the country in the Cecafa Championship, where they face Zambia’s Green Eagles in the quarterfinals.
