FKF to learn KPL contract details as sponsors waive clauses

The Sports Disputes Tribunal will mediate a final joint meeting between Football Kenya Federation and Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Limited on Thursday in what could potentially bring to an end the niggly 16 versus 18 top flight league composition debate.

The two warring parties had earlier agreed on an expanded league on the basis FKF would provide KSh.68m to have KPL accommodate the two extra sides before the federation later demanded to have the amount whittled down to KSh36m, along with details of the running contracts signed with the league’s sponsors and broadcast partners.

Confidentiality clauses in the contracts would later prove a stumbling block up until Tuesday’s sitting when KPL lawyer  Geoffrey Obura informed the Tribunal that the sponsors had agreed to waive them, giving them the green light to to reveal the monetary figures.

The breakthrough comes after FKF managed to prove its entity as a relevant stakeholder as they seek to establish the cost of running a single club.

Citizen Digital has learnt that on their part, KPL wants a guarantee on how the federation will source the funds amid rumours they intend to inject only KSh5m – KSh63m short of the current KPL asking amount.

SDT Chairperson John Ohaga has underscored the need to urgently resolve the matter, with the traditional early February season opener drawing ever nearer.

Additionally, Thursday will be an important day for KPL stakeholders as FKF appeal’s board will be hearing the appeals for the three clubs relegated for falling short of CAF licensing requirements.

The ruling on the matter will determine whether the 18-team league vision will be achieved immediately this season or gradually until the year 2020.

Only 15 clubs are currently assured of a place in the 2017 top division and should the appeals of the three be turned down, three clubs will be promoted each season from 2018 with two being axed, until 2021 when the system of relegating two and promoting two will be restored.