FKF and KPL set for titanic war over control of TV broadcast rights

AFC LEOPARDS- GOR MAHIA 2013 GOTV SHIELD
AFC Leopards fans suround Supersport crew as they celebrates after being crown 2013 GOtv Champion at Nyayo National Stadium on 17/11/13. PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

The battle to control increasingly lucrative television broadcast rights to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League next season will be the next platform for another looming battle between clubs and FKF, FeverPitch can reveal.

Although the relegation and promotion formula has not been conclusively dealt with for an 18-team league next term, its priority ranks lowest as all eyes are now trained on the broadcast rights deal.

One of the key resolutions following the Fifa-led mediation talks between FKF and the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) confirmed that commercial rights belong to the federation.

However, a key figure in the KPL consortium of clubs revealed: “It is not as straightforward. You think clubs will sign off their media rights to FKF just like that? Watch this space,” the source said on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak on behalf of KPL.

But feeling vindicated that commercial rights to competitions under its pyramid belong to them, FKF is already aligning all its functions to tap into an expected windfall.

Prior to the talks, FKF had engaged London-based international media rights company, MP&Silva, to manage and distribute television media rights of its leagues and national teams.

Under the deal, MP&Silva guarantees FKF $2.5 million (approx Sh225 million) a year.

To recoup this money, MP&Silva has fragmented league rights into different segments such as Pay TV, Free to Air and Online rights.

MP&Silva have since mid-wifed a Pay TV broadcast deal with Azam TV to broadcast the FKF Premier League. The name change from KPL to FKF Premier thus becomes important.

But with KPL clubs also enlightened and enjoying a good relationship with SuperSport, especially having been there for them when there was virtually no financing, it is believed they will stand by their knight in shining armour.

Ahead of his arrival to unlock the impasse, Fifa’s lead mediator Kwesi Nyantakyi, the Ghana FA President, is quoted to have said: “There is no particular solution because of the personal, political, commercial and legal interests involved. But we have an ultimatum to secure a way forward.”

 NEW CONTRACTS

A way forward on the composition of the league may have been hammered out. The declaration, however, that “the new contracts for the new term, which has already been signed by KPL and SuperSport, will be reconsidered and reviewed,” undoubtedly heralds another round of battles.

It is sure to touch off a corporate battle at a different level pitting Azam TV and SuperSport while clubs take on their ‘father’, FKF, over trading with their individual names.

“Granted, the commercial rights belong to FKF, but we have our rights as clubs. Therefore, there must be a deed allowing FKF to collectively bargain using our names,” said a KPL club official, who also did not wish to be named.

A casual glance at FKF and KPL officials at the press conference to announce the détente at Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel on Monday betrayed some unease.

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