Hurdles as football attempts return

The government has halted sport activities until September 7, citing rising COVID-19 cases. It means clubs are unable to train until then, just four days before the scheduled new season kick-off. In the boardroom, it has emerged, authorities are struggling to tie down new sponsorship deals. “The broadcast deal has now been reduced to just one year, and there is no reason for this. Initially, it was supposed to be five years, starting with P5 million per season, and increasing taking into consideration inflation,” a source close to developments said.

There is reluctance from some sponsors to commit due to COVID-19. The Premiership was left without a sponsorship after the end of BTC’s lengthy deal last season. “There is also the issue of the legitimacy of the BPL board. Clubs cannot proceed as some were not supposed to be part of the process to nominate the new board. BFL has only 12 registered teams who are the shareholders and not 16. The four clubs were part of the teams that approved the constitution although they were not supposed to be in the meeting.