A contract was signed on the 29th January 2015 between the First Eco Partners and The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) for a three-year sponsorship deal for the GFF First Division League.
The D1 million per year partnership for a period of three years, includes the provision of sporting materials such as 100 footballs, sets of jerseys to all the first division teams bearing the logo of the company, a giant trophy and replica of the GFF trophy. Consequently, the league was thereafter named ‘First Eco Partners First Division League.’
However, an unconfirmed report emanating from the Football House in Kanifing suggests that First Eco is no longer interested in sponsoring the league.
Even though neither First Eco, nor GFF made an official statement on this development, sources told Observer Sports that First Eco Partners has notified the GFF of their intention to terminate the contract.
If it turns out to be the case, it would be a big set-back for the country’s First Division Football League which had in the past years struggled to attract sponsors.
For the first time in the history of Gambia League competition that 2014/2015 league winners Gamtel received a cash prize of D300, 000, runners-up Real De Banjul received D150, 000 and 3rd place GPA received D100, 000, all thanks to the partnership.
Another source has told Nna Gambia News that the deal had seized existing even before the beginning of the current league.
GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo at the signing ceremony last year said the GFF executive was yearning for that day, describing it as “a dream come true, because we all know in sports, football in particular, it is very difficult for administrators and managers without sponsors.”
Ted Mcewan and Michael Bahsoon of the First Eco Partners expressed at the time that by sponsoring the league it could help the company sell its name to the general public.
About FEP
First Eco Partners (FEP), an energy company based in the UK and founded by Michael Embed Bah was launched in The Gambia at a local hotel in 2014.
The organisation was formed from a concept that, in partnership, they can achieve great things, cut the cost of everyday energy for residents, businesses and governments while changing and improving lives through renewable and sustainable initiatives.
by Alieu Ceesay