FKF: Sh 220 million supersports deal is null and void

SuperSport General Manager Auka Gecheo (left), FKF Chairman Sam Nyamweya

Nairobi, Kenya: Football Kenya Federation (FKF) says it will not recognise the new television rights deal brokered by SuperSport and Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

This happened even as KPL officially confirmed to have signed a new five-year extension deal with the South African broadcaster.

While Kenyan football enthusiasts jubilated at the new Christmas gift, FKF termed the deal null and void because they were not involved in the talks, saying they are the sole custodians of the game in the country.

According to FKF League and Competitions Committee chairperson, Doris Petra, they are surprised KPL renewed the deal in total violation of an agreement they had with the federation; to be involved in the process.

“At our last joint meeting with the clubs, it was agreed the deal should not be extended without our involvement. We knew KPL officials were going to South Africa and we specifically told them not to renew the deal and we are therefore surprised they did not heed our advice.

“The rules are very clear that rights to all competitions in the country belong to FKF and can only be sold with our express permission. In this case, we did not do so and therefore, the whole thing is null and void,” she said.

But while confirming the new deal, KCB chairman George Odhiambo said KPL is a private company that can enter into agreement with anyone.

“Yes it is true we have signed a new five-year deal and we did not need to involve FKF because they were never part of the deal from the beginning.

They are directors of KPL, but if they do not attend our meetings where such major decisions were made, then it is not our problem,” he said.

Odhiambo was also non-committal on how much SuperSport will pay KPL. “That information is confidential just like the previous contract,” he said.