Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Nairobi branch has termed the much publicized SportPesa Super 8 League, illegal and cautioned clubs against taking part in the same as it has not been sanctioned by the Federation.
This is the second time in less than a year that FKF has disowned the tournament that has gained popularity amongst the youth in Nairobi and other regions.
“Extreme Sports is illegal and has not been sanctioned by the Federation,” said Nairobi East FKF chairperson Michael Ouma.
“As an office voted in on the platform of change, we are not going to allow football tournaments that have not been sanctioned by the federation to take place in Nairobi. We have cautioned all clubs affiliated to us not to take part in the tournament, failure to which we will act accordingly,” said Ouma.
In a rejoinder, Extreme Sports; organizers of the SportPesa Super 8 League tournament, termed Ouma’s remarks as ‘Unfortunate and a letdown’ to football development in the country.
“As Extreme Sports we find the move and comments by FKF Nairobi branch as not only unfortunate but a total let down to football development in the country,” said Extreme Sports Head Coordinator Athanas Obango in an interview in Nairobi on Wednesday.
“It is unfortunate that despite being elected on a platform of change as they so claim the federation is still determined to use intimidation tactics rather than diplomacy in running football which is not only sad but also outdated and regrettable,” he added.
The move by FKF to disown the Nairobi tourney comes even as leading betting company SportPesa has sponsored the tournament to the tune of Sh34 million, the largest sponsorship ever received for a grassroot football tournament that has not been sanctioned by the federation.