Betting company SportPesa suspends sponsorship of Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards over hooliganism

TOP: AFC Leopards fans in a stampede after they caused chaos against Sofapaka during their GOtv Shield Semi final at City Stadium BELOW PIC: George Mwangi the second Assistant Referee found himself under the rock as this Gor Mahia fan cornered him after the match for a disputed penalty kick which was awarded in favour of Tusker. Tusker beat Gor 1-0.PHOTO;BONIFACE OKENDO

SportPesa has announced the suspension of shirt sponsorship for Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards over hooliganism.

The betting company’s Chief Executive Ronald Karauri said the suspension will be in force until such a time they are satisfied that the vice has been dealt with. Karauri said they were assured by the clubs before they took over that hooliganism had been dealt with.

The news came hours on Tuesday after Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced that teams whose fans cause trouble will be docked six points and repeating the offence three times will see the club relegated to a lower division.

The far-reaching measures come in the wake of crowd trouble in the last two weeks involving fans of AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia during their Kenyan Premier League fixtures.

This stringent measures, FKF announced on Tuesday are aimed at curbing runaway hooliganism in the top tier league.

AFC Leopards fans caused the abandonment of their clash with Ulinzi Stars in Mumias last Saturday and a week back, Gor Mahia fans invaded the pitch and nearly disrupted their match with Tusker.

“We are getting increasingly concerned with the hooliganism and believe that stiff measures must be meted out to end it,” FKF president Nick Mwendwa said adding that KPL will have to enforce the rules failure to which FKF to will act.

“The offending teams will also be required to play their three consecutive matches in an empty stadium and pay a fine of Sh500,000,” Mwendwa said.

FKF further announced that stewards have been banned from being in charge of matches involving Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards after they were accused of attacking referees.

“Instead a special committee will be formed to be in charge of managing matches involving the two teams,” Mwendwa said.

‎Another measure is the banning of fans who cause violence and requiring that the teams they support ensure this is adhered to.

“In case a team allows such a fan in its matches, they will be fined and forced to play their next three matches in an empty stadium.”

Players and team officials, who attack match referees will not be spared either.

They will be banned for one year. Those who incite fans will be suspended for four matches and pay a fine of Sh20,000. Repeat offenders will get a one year ban.