Supersports signs new improved deal with Kenya Premier League

Nairobi, Kenya: Supersport has signed a five-year broadcast extension deal with Kenyan Premier League.

The deal has been penned at a time when KPL is involved in a tug-of-war with the national body Football Kenya Federation over the number of teams for the 2015 season.

While KPL insists on retaining 16 teams, FKF wants an 18-side league. The extension was secretly signed three weeks ago when KPL representatives met SuperSport officials in South Africa.

“The deal was extended for another five years. However, the matter is still under wraps until an appropriate time. Everyone has been gagged,” said a source who is familiar with the issue.

The source confirmed it is an improved deal that will see KPL get Sh220million per year and other bonuses to boot from the current Sh200million.

“The new deal has a number of bonuses that will benefit clubs. On the whole, both parties are happy with the new deal,” said the source.

Two weeks ago, however, KPL Chief Executive Officer Jack Oguda, who was part of the delegation that visited South Africa, denied a new deal had been agreed upon.

“Our meeting with SuperSport was basically about house-keeping and was meant to review our working relationship. We did not even discuss the issue of renewing the deal,” Oguda then said.

The renewal of the deal is likely to escalate war of words between FKF and KPL. In its last executive committee meeting, FKF decreed KPL will not be allowed to enter into any sponsorship deal without the input of the federation. It was a position that was emphasised when branch officials met in Nairobi on Monday. With the new deal, KPL is seen to have an upper hand in the fight to maintain status quo.

But not to be left behind, the federation is said to be courting few broadcasters, as it readies for supremacy battle with KPL.

Sources within FKF said representatives from the broadcasters are expected in Nairobi this week to commence negotiations for a possible deal.

Elsewhere, FKF has confirmed all 18 Premier League clubs have formalised their affiliation with them in time for the December 15 deadline.

“We are happy the Premier League clubs are now our fully paid up members and clubs have submitted their documents which include-Club Constitution, Certificate of Registration from the registrar and the list of their elected officials,” said a statement from the federation.