Stakeholders now seek FIFA clarification over ‘repossessed’ FKF OB van

Ex-Football Kenya Federation boss now wants FIFA to intervene and clarify the mystery surrounding the KSh135Million outside broadcasting van that has been “repossessed” by a pay-television giant over non-payment.

Kurunzi exclusively revealed that SuperSport had taken back their van after FKF failed to pay for the van despite FIFA having released the money for the equipment and the federation confirming they had acquired the van in 2018.

In their response, FKF confirmed the reports but said they had not been given the money by FIFA, instead saying that the money was paid to a British firm known as WTS who were to pay SuperSport.

Nyamweya has now written to world governing body, FIFA, asking President – Gianni Infantino, “to institute investigations into this matter with a view to ensuring that any acts of mischief are established and those found culpable be brought to book.”

He says that he has taken the initiative to contact FIFA because clubs are suffering in silence “for fear of victimization by the FA.”

Here is the full letter addressed to Infantino and copied to FKF and CAF:

RE:  STATE OF KENYAN FOOTBALL  AND THE OUTSIDE BROADCASTING GOAL PROJECT

Greetings and once again, congratulations Mr. President on your impending re-election to serve a further term in office from June 2019.

May I salute you for the bold decisions your leadership has taken to transform the beautiful game since your election in 2016. The results of your work are evident World over and it is evident world over and Kenya has received tremendous support to develop our game.

I am writing to you on the aforementioned subject to seek clarity on the matter because it has become one of serious national concern since it was announced that FIFA had released funds for the acquisition of the Outside Broadcasting van and other equipment to Football Kenya Federation.

Indeed, the FKF President is on record saying that FIFA had released USD1.35M and the Federation had acquired the equipment which would greatly ease the burden of television production of national team and league matches. He further stated that football clubs participating in continental competitions would be relieved of the burden technical costs during their home matches.

This was rightly a big reason for the stakeholders to be excited because of how big a challenge production of football content in the country.

However, to the disappointment of football stakeholders, the van and all equipment have been seized by the company that sold it to the Federation only after a few months later due to non-payment.

Further fury of stakeholders has been caused by the fact that Kenyan champions, Gor Mahia, have been surcharged up to USD76,444 in technical costs by CAF in 2018 and are set to give up a similar or more this year despite the FA having acquired the production equipment under the Goal Project programme from FIFA.

FKF has stated that they were never in receipt of the approved funds and instead, the money was directly paid out to a company that supplies outside broadcasting equipment known as WTS, who were to pay SuperSport – who were the owners of the van initially handed over to the Kenyan FA and who have repossessed the van.

Being a serious stakeholder, with substantial football interest and having served as the first President of FKF, I have taken up the initiative to raise the matter with your good office because of how the affected clubs fear coming for fear of victimization by the FA.

I seek your good office to help demystify the following:-

1. That FIFA approved the request by FKF for funding to acquire television production equipment at a cost of USD1.35M.

1. That FIFA advised FKF to get in touch with London-based firm, WTS,  to supply the equipment to the Federation

1. That FIFA did pay the approved amount to WTS who would then pay SuperSport and if so what the rationale for this was, instead of paying to SuperSport directly.

1. Whether or not FKF has brought it to the attention of FIFA that the OB van has been repossessed by SuperSport.

1. Whether or not FIFA is aware of the fact that Kenyan clubs have been surcharged the aforementioned monies in respect of technical costs deducted from their revenue by CAF.

I plead with your good office to institute investigations into this matter with a view to ensuring that any acts of mischief are established and those found culpable be brought to book.

Thanking you in advance for your steadfast commitment to football development to make the game more inclusive and much better around the world. Once again, congratulations Mr President and all the best in all your endeavours.

Kind regards,

Sam Nyamweya, MBS

Former President – Football Kenya Federation