RESOLVE LEAGUE IMPASSE:SportPesa say they have no problem with expanded league

Wyclif Kasuti (left) of Ulinzi Stars FC (KDF) controls the ball under presure from Mohammed Shariff (right) of Bandari FC during their Sportpesa Premier League match played at the Mbaraki Sports Club, March 30, 2016. The teams shared the spoils after they drew 1-1. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Kenyan Premier League title sponsors Sportpesa want a quick resolution to the stalemate on the expansion of the competition next year.

The company’s Chief Marketing Officer Kester Shimonyo also said they have no issues with expanding the league.

Shimonyo attended Saturday’s stalemate meeting between FKF and KPL that failed to agree on the number of teams to take part in the top tier league next season.

“We are doing so many things with KPL and FKF and therefore want them to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

“It is not our place to dictate on the matter, but we have no problem with increasing the number of teams. Should it require more money we can sit down and agree on how to increase the same,” he said.

Shimonyo called for continued dialogue between the two parties and expressed confidence that the issue will be resolved.

“I am happy that the meeting was very cordial even though they were a lot of differences. They need to continue talking to each other to resolve this matter,” he said.

On Saturday, FKF and KPL failed to agree on the composition of the top tier league next season.

FKF chairman Nick Mwendwa said KPL rejected all their demands including withdrawing a case they have filed at the sports tribunal.

“We have not had an agreement today because KPL stood their ground on all the matters we had on the table. They even questioned Fifa’s instructions.

“As a result, we will reconvene to agree on the way forward. We will continue to consult on this matter and resolve it as required,” he said.

“The KPL has come with a document showing that the company is owned by 16 clubs and we have a different one. We will take both to the registrar to find out the truth on them because it looks like we have a problem.”

On his part KPL chairman Ambrose Rachier defended the company’s position insisting that FKF has not given them a credible reason to increase the number of teams to 18 next year.

“Our position is that the memorandum of understanding we signed last September to have 16 teams is still binding.

“Furthermore, the letter from Fifa was responding to one written by FKF whose contents we are not aware of. We therefore stand our ground on wanting the tribunal to resolve the matter.

“Our reasons for rejecting an 18 team league still stands. It will increase the number of matches by 66 and also reduce money that goes to clubs.

“We do not see any good reason to increase the participating teams.”

KPL has also reached out to the World League Forum even as they questioned what they termed as interference by Fifa on an agreement between KPL and FKF.