StarTimes Cancel KSh 770 million Sponsorship Deal With FKF Premier League

• The sponsorship deal between StarTimes and FKF Premier League was set to run for seven years
• StarTimes, however, has opted to walk out of the partnership citing an array of reasons
• The deal, which would see StarTimes transmit topflight matches was worth KSh 110 million per year

Chinese broadcast firm StarTimes has terminated its seven-year sponsorship deal with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League worth KSh 110 million per year.

The development comes barely a year after StarTimes entered a partnership with FKF to broadcast Kenya Premier League matches.

The sponsorship would see StarTimes transmit topflight matches, 30 National Super League fixtures as well as Harambee Stars friendly matches.

However, in a sudden twist of events, the broadcaster has decided to pull out of the deal citing an array of reasons.

In a statement sent out and seen by TUKO.co.ke, the company alluded to the botched Mashemeji Derby which was boycotted by both sets of teams as one of the reasons that informed the cancellation of the partnership.

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"Failure to deliver a number of scheduled broadcast fixtures: Despite prior confirmations, several fixtures including one Mashemeji derby in the 2020/21 season were not delivered," the statement said in part.

"Constantly putting the StarTimes brand into disrepute: The failure and/or delayed delivery of scheduled fixtures have exposed the brand to constant subscriber backlash," the statement continued.

Key among other reasons mentioned include the current state of football in the country that has seen continued wrangling between the federation and key stakeholders.

StarTimes' decision will come as a major blow to clubs and players who have been struggling to stay afloat financially.

Mwendwa off the hook

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported embattled Football Kenya Federation boss Nick Mwendwa appears to be off the hook after the state opted to close his file.

The prosecution informed the court on Thursday, November 25, they had resolved to close the case as investigations continue.

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Senior Resident Magistrate Wandia Nyamu went on to grant the prosecution the prayers.

“I, therefore, order this matter closed as prayed by the DPP, ” Nyamu directed.