Tribunal to mediate on fresh KPL expansion row

The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) will on Tuesday mediate the now escalated feud between Kenyan Premier League Limited and Football Kenya Federation over the expansion of the top tier league from 16 to 18 teams.

Fresh disputes arose when FKF demanded to be served with sponsorship contracts between KPL and the official sponsors seeking clarity of the financial details involved in the deal despite having both earlier agreed to expand the league on condition the federation would cater for the extra costs.

While KPL were willing to avail the documents to the federation, but failed to get the clearance from the league’s sponsors and broadcast partners.

FKF had agreed to fork out KSh36m – the cost earlier determined would sufficiently help KPL sustain the two extra sides – before making a U-turn, insisting to be availed with sponsorship details so as to evaluate the cost of running a single club.

However, both deals signed by KPL included a non-disclosure clauses hence leading to a stalemate.

The tribunal through Chairman John Ohaga asked KPL to get a waiver from the sponsors on the clauses.

“We asked both sponsors to allow us on mutual agreement provide FKF with the contracts but they declined. Supersport said they cannot give out the contract but are ready to make reveal the financial bit,” KPL CEO Jack Oguda said.

Meanwhile, FKF appeals board will on Thursday have a hearing for the appeals filed by Muhoroni Youth FC, Thika United FC and Sofapaka FC who were relegated from premier league over failure to meet the laid down CAF licensing criteria.

The three clubs were relegated on January 10, but appealed the decision within the 14-day ultimatum given to seek redress of the matter.

Oguda has confirmed they have received a written communication from the federation over the issue.

Uncertainty looms even as February 11 – the anticipated 2017 KPL kick off – drawing closer with the officials yet to release the league’s fixtures.