REVEALED: Details of AFC Leopards, Betway deal that is causing ripples

The incertitude surrounding the future of two sponsorship deals signed by different factions of AFC Leopards Interim Management Committee (IMC) has been escalated by the Sports Dispute Tribunal’s order declaring both deals null and void.

While the factions, one led by interim chair Mathew Opwora and the other led by interim vice chair Dan Mule, mull over the next course of action, details have emerged that point to falsity in the communications made over the deal.

Opwora, in his statement during the launch of the Betway deal on Tuesday, said that the deal would run for three years, though the contract that is in our possession does not state so.

“This agreement will commence as of the 26th day of January 2016 and shall subsist, subject to Clause 2.2 for a period of one contract year from the commencement date or until termination of the same, whichever is the earlier,” read the statement in part.

According to Clause 2.2: “The sponsor will however have the first option for sponsorship of the club for the 2017 contract year and the 2018 contract year on the same terms as agreed herein with a yearly escalation of 10 per cent on the sponsorship fee.”

The deal is worth Sh30 million, with the possibility of rising to Sh30.5 million in the 2017 contractual year and Sh32.25 million the year after that.

One other notable factor in the deal, is the inclusion of an agent, Escrow Agent, who will be mandated with the disbursement of the sponsorship money to the club.

“The amount payable in terms of Clause 3.2.1 shall be the sponsor and the amount payable in terms of Clause 3.2.3 shall be paid by the Escrow Agent…”

Betway are also reported to have initiated negotiations with Gor Mahia for a sponsorship deal though Kogalo opted for Sportpesa.

Even prior to the launch, a section of Ingwe supporters had expressed dissatisfaction with the Betway deal with many favouring Sportpesa deal that was worth Sh32 million for five years.

Ahead of the new season that begins on February 13, all eyes will be on the tribunal and the club’s interim officials to see whether there will be a way forward in agreeing on one sponsor for the club.

By @benjaminwafula