This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
Kenya Premier League (KPL) is set to proceed as scheduled, despite a financial crisis facing both the league and major clubs. The decision was made by the KPL governing council on October 17, 2019, amidst calls to suspend the league.
The council acknowledged the financial crisis caused by the withdrawal of major sponsor SportPesa in August. SportPesa had stopped its operations in Kenya after the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) declined to renew the firm's operating license.
Major clubs such as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are struggling to honour local and international matches, with players and officials risking losing their employment. The KPL governing council has pleaded with the Government to provide a short-term financial solution to facilitate the smooth running of the league.
The council has also appealed to the Government to help clubs lobby for a change in the legal regime governing sports in the country, which they believe would help in financial self-sustainability. Additionally, they have appealed for more tax incentives to corporates that are supporting the sport.
On Thursday, October 17, 2019, the KPL governing council resolved that the 2019-20 season shall proceed as scheduled and that clubs must abide by the rules governing Kenyan football. The decision was reached amidst calls to suspend the league while acknowledging that there is a financial crisis in the league and clubs after withdrawal of its major sponsor.
“On Thursday, October 17, 2019, the KPL governing council resolved that the 2019-20 season shall proceed as scheduled and that clubs must abide by the rules governing Kenyan football. The decision was reached amidst calls to suspend the league while acknowledging that there is a financial crisis in the league and clubs after withdrawal of its major sponsor,” read part of the statement.
“It takes time to formalise any sponsorship deal since most corporates operate on running budgets which were already set at the beginning of their respective financial year,” the statement read. The League is committed to continuously improve the product, use football as a force for good, support football development and act with integrity for the sake of its reputation and sanity.
Early this month, KPL Chief Executive Officer Jack Oguda hinted they could stop the league last weekend, as their staff have gone without salaries for months. Major beneficiaries of SportPesa sponsorship such as Gor Mahia are feeling the heat of firm’s exit as players went on a go-slow due to unpaid salaries and allowances since August.
On the other hand, AFC Leopards players also refused to play against Sony Sugar earlier this month citing lack of paid salaries and allowances for the last two months.
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