*Undated
The departure of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) major sponsor Startimes has raised questions as well as alarm on whether things will be sorted out soon. FKF Presidential aspirant Twaha Mbarak has been quick to pen down a statement detailing how all this can be salvaged as clubs and players alike stare down at the league's resumption, the clock ticking down.
"The unfortunate developments in local football fraternity occasioned by integrity issues touching on the now disbanded FKF has left clubs facing financial ruin. Even before the Cabinet Secretary for Sports Amb Amina Mohamed invoked the Law to save stakeholders from FKF's misdeeds, football clubs were already on a meltdown financially," the statement began.
"Star Times' decision to terminate the Broadcast Rights deal, which in itself was shrouded in mystery, confirms what other partners as ODIBETS had complained about; the lack of financial probity on the part of FKF.The clubs are now suffering and paying for criminal actions perpetrated by the very officials who should be taking care of the interests."
"The future of both top-tier leagues; the Premier League, the Women's and the National Super League, this season, are in danger of not being completed because of the dire financial health of the clubs. The damage this would cause on the National team Harambee Stars and Harambee Starlets will be felt for many generations to come," pointed out the statement.
"While we commend the Government's interventions through the able Sports CS Amb Amina, we believe the financial ruin of these clubs and referees can be mitigated by grants from Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF).I call upon the Clubs, the referees and the FKF Caretaker Committee to put together a good document for consideration by the Government."
"This, I believe, should be a stop-gap intervention pending fresh FKF elections towards the end of the Caretaker Committee's mandate. As football stakeholders, we made the mistake of electing wolves in sheep skins. With this turmoil our football is going through, I believe we have learnt our lessons; never again to elect people we already knew were tainted." Said the former FKF vice president.
"Many people of good repute have shied away from our game, but for how long. This is the time our football needs everyone with unquestionable reputation.I am ready, like I have always been to lead from the front line," Mbarak explained. Mbarak was endorsed on November 24th for the position of FKF President. Former FKF Western region boss Andrew Amukowa was also selected to deputize him.
Part of the manifesto in Mbarak and Amukowa's partnership has actually promised to solidly manage financial resources as well as establishing youth centers and programmes all aimed at nurturing talent towards promoting equal opportunities in National teams.
"I am ready and willing to lead negotiations with the government and corporations to secure funding for our leagues. While I will come with my ideas to the table on how I intend to repair the damage caused by FKF officials facing serious claims of impropriety, I am willing to listen to all stakeholders on the way forward."
For now, however, we need to stabilize the clubs financially before the December 4th, 2021 resumption of leagues, which I am confident the Government will assist the clubs." The statement by Mbarak closed off.