Sam Nyamweya has blamed Football Kenya Federation for playing a 'huge role' that led to the withdrawal of SuperSport as Kenyan Premier League title sponsors.
The former President says it was wrong for the federation to force for an 18-team league in the top tier whereas the sponsor ‘did not have enough money to cater for the extra two teams.’
“It is a very sad day for Kenyan football…very sad indeed. SuperSport were doing a great job to promote Kenyan football and their exit is such a big blow. It could have been fair for the federation to engage SuperSport even before they quit but they opted not to and now they have gone.”
Blow as SuperSport terminate contract with KPL
Nyamweya added, “SuperSport came into Kenyan football during my reign and I harmonized them to work closely with KPL. They have never complained and you could see that they played a huge role in promoting Kenyan football. I must say I am saddened that they have pulled out.”
On Friday, KPL chairman Ambrose Rachier confirmed to Goal that they have received a letter from SuperSport informing them of the decision to cut ties which comes ahead of the league’s round 4.
The main reason for the fallout as per the letter is the upholding of Sports Disputes Tribunal’s ruling which increased the number of top flight teams from 16 to 18 starting 2017.
“SuperSport have, today, informed us via a letter that out contract with them is terminated. They say we violated the initial agreement by allowing two more teams into the league as was ruled by Sports Disputes Tribunal.”
What next for KPL after SuperSport's exit?
This shocking news comes with a three-year period remaining in the contract after the South Africa-head quartered television company extended the deal by five years in December 2014.
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