This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
Kenyan Premier League clubs are facing a financial crisis, with some clubs calling for the suspension of the league. However, Sofapaka and Wazito have opposed the idea, citing potential repercussions on the game.
According to The Standard Sports, the league's Governing Council will hold a crisis meeting today at KPL Headquarters, with the financial situation being top of the agenda. The meeting will comprise of the 18 clubs' chairmen, including Gor Mahia's Ambrose Rachier, who admitted that the record Kenyan champions are also facing financial difficulties since the exit of their sponsors Sportpesa.
“Following the calls by some clubs about the idea to suspend the league due to financial challenges, we have called for a Governing Council meeting tomorrow (today) morning. I cannot preempt the debate, I have to hear what other people say before making the decision,” Rachier said.
However, Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa, whose club signed a new Sh35m sponsorship deal with Betika yesterday, questioned how some KPL clubs passed the CAF Licensing requirements. He also expressed concerns about the potential loss of credibility and the impact on national teams' performance in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
“In real sense, if we suspend the league we will have many unforeseen repercussions. I think before Sportpesa came, the league was running. First, we will lose credibility and this will affect our national teams' performance in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers as well. Will new sponsors come on board if we stop the league?” asked Kalekwa.
Wazito Chief Executive Office Dennis Gicheru also expressed his views on the matter, stating that the suspension of the league is a short-term solution and that clubs should brainstorm on a holistic model from a legal and financial point of view to make clubs self-sustainable in the future.
