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Why Azam deal to broadcast AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia clash is in jeopardy


A broadcast rights deal involving Azam TV and Football Kenya Federation Premier League clubs is on the verge of collapse owing to a delay in correspondence.

As per documents seen by Nairobi News, the Tanzanian-based media firm wrote to FKF on April 25, 2023, seeking to broadcast the league clash pitting AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia on May 15, 2023.

The Pay-TV channel is also keen on relaying another clash pitting Tusker against Kariobangi Sharks a day earlier. The whole deal is worth Sh8.2 million.

In the letter, Patrick Khahemele, Azam Media Chief Executive Officer offered that all the 18 clubs would cumulatively receive Sh7.3 million to divide equally amongst themselves which translates to about Sh400,000 per club.

Meanwhile. FKF was to receive Sh818,000 out of the deal that would have laid the ground for future partnership if all parties would have cooperated well.

Azam expected a response from the federation before the end of April 2023 but haven’t received any, leaving the deal in limbo.

FKF CEO Barry Otieno didn’t respond to inquiries on the subject.

The four-match deal comes amid financial struggles by several Football Kenya Federation Premier League clubs.

Besides this deal, Azam also sponsors Tanzanian side AZAM football club and has a separate broadcast rights deal with the Tanzania Premier League to the tune of Sh200 million a season.

The FKF Premier League does not have a sponsor at the moment following the withdrawal of both StarTimes as the broadcast rights holder and BetKing as the league title sponsor in 2020.

Gor and AFC Leopards will clash in the Mashemeji Derby on May 15, 2023, with the former fighting to reclaim the league title it has lost to Tusker in the past two seasons.

K’Ogalo will also clash with Tusker on May 23, 2023, in matches that could have a bearing on the FKF-PL title

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