Sports betting firm SportPesa has dismissed reports that it intends to cut down on sponsorship to local clubs once they resume operations.
According to a report in the Business Daily, SportPesa chief executive Ronald Karauri said the firm would only support a few football clubs on need basis.
“Sportpesa will not support all football clubs in the country. We will see which ones to support,” Karauri is quoted as saying.
But Head of Communication Jean Kiarie told the Star that contrary to reports alleging that it will only support a few clubs on a need basis, it remains committed to sports development and aims to restart full sponsorship of its all previous agreements.
She noted SportPesa’s immediate priority is to be cleared by the Betting Control and Licensing Board to renew its license to allow them to resume full operations.
“We will review the business position pursuant to this and determine the areas of sponsorships that we will be able to support. We remain committed to sports development in the country and we will aim to restart sponsorship of all our previous agreements, to the best of our ability,” she said as quoted.
Sportpesa is among 27 betting firms whose licenses were revoked over alleged tax evasion. The bookmaker later announced it had canceled its partnership deals with sports clubs citing unbearable business environment.
Last Friday, Mr Karauri said that all pending tax issues had been settled and a deal reached which should see the firm get back to business as soon as BCLB clears it.
