Wario finally gazettes Chan 2018 committee

President FKF Nick Mwendwa giving grace period of 7days, which ends on Dec 16, to clubs for Document submission at Hotel Panafric on Thursday, Dec 8, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

The Ministry of Sports has finally gazetted the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for next year’s Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) to be held in Kenya.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario made the announcement yesterday through a Kenya Gazette notice.

It came on the same day when Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa flew out to Gabon to meet the Confederation of African Football officials to explain Kenya’s readiness to host the event.

The committee will be chaired by Mwendwa with Mohammed Ahmed Hillow as his vice-chairman.

FKF Chief Executive Officer Robert Muthomi will hold the same post in the LOC.

He will be deputised by Herbert Mwachiro.

Nkino Sairo is the assistant events director. Speaking before he left for Gabon, Mwendwa said he has been assured by the government that the budget will be set aside for the tournament in good time.

“We also hope to have all the pitches we intend to use ready in good time.

“Kinoru Stadium in Meru is proceeding well and I’m impressed. Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos will also be up to CAF standards soon and we dispatched a team to Mombasa to check on the progress of the Mombasa County Stadium while Nyayo National Stadium has been closed for renovations.

“MISC Kasarani is in good condition and we hope to have all the four venues in perfect condition in good time,” he said.

Mwendwa also lauded efforts made by several counties to upgrade their stadia.

Meanwhile, global premium beer brand Heineken has renewed its Uefa Champions League sponsorship for a further three years.

The new agreement will see Heineken continue as official Uefa sponsors for world’s most prestigious club football competition until the end of 2021 competition.

The renewed contracts also grants Heineken other exclusive rights including LED Pitch Boarding exposure, Uefa Champions League contents like Back Stadium Tour and the Uefa Champions League Trophy Tour and the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Uefa Super Cup.

While making the official announcement in Nairobi yesterday concerning the renewal of the contract, Heineken East Africa General Manager Uche Unigwe said: “We are thrilled to sponsor the UEFA Champions League for another three years.”