KPL clubs stranded as sponsor withholds sponsorship

Kenyan Premier League clubs are languishing in ‘poverty’ following league sponsors’ reluctance to release money meant for pre-season preparations.

As the norm, league sponsors always provide preparations’ grant by January 15 but are yet to do the same leaving teams in deep cry over the same. A number of clubs in the league have failed to make signings this transfer window, following the delay to disburse the grant and are only silently crying with fear of victimization.

Goal understands that the main reason of SportPesa’s ‘go-slow’ in releasing the money to clubs is the fact that Mathare United had brought on board an individual sponsor in Betway, a thing which has angered the league sponsors.

A top official at a KPL club, who sought for anonymity, has revealed to Goal that the tussle is plainly hurting the league and that it might affect the general performance of clubs and the league in general.

“SportPesa are on a go slow because of the Betway deal with Mathare United and all clubs are now suffering. The sponsorship package was to be wired to clubs by latest January 15 but we have not received a penny. In fact, things are not rosy for teams as we approach the season kick-off because there are a lot of things which should have been done as at now but financial constraints cannot allow.”

Efforts to reach officials from KPL or FKF proved futile as the phones went unanswered. The 2017 season will kick-off in February.