Rayon Sports Demands 5 Times More Sponsorship From Brewer Skol

Top local soccer league side Rayon Sports has asked for Rwf 251m a year from its sponsor Belgian brewer Skol, according to sources.

In a senior management meeting held this Sunday, it was agreed that there will be no lowering of the money asked of Skol if it wants to renew the sponsorship deal. Skol has been one of Rayon’s sponsors since 2014.

The latest position by Rayon comes just days after an outburst by Skol CEO Ivan Wulffaert in which he described Rayon Sports management as incompetent and lacks vision. He made the comments at closed door Skol staff meeting, but an employee recorded the speech and leaked it.

It has caused a storm. CEO Wulffaert suggested that as indication of how short-sighted the Rayon Sports management is, he expected them to seek “seven times more money than what we have been giving them”.

It seems he saw Rayon’s demand coming. Rayon has been getting Rwf 66m annually from Skol, which also provided the most popular side in the country with a training pitch. Now, Rayon wants Rwf 251m annually.

As for the comments by Skol CEO, the Rayon management said in the statement released to the media after their meeting that they are seeking explanation from him.

Rayon Sports’ latest upping of sponsorship demand comes after that of its arch-rival, the military side APR FC with Tanzanian conglomerate Bakhresa Group last month under which it will get Rwf 57m annually.

If Rayon gets its demand, it will surely show APR that they are not in same monetary league. Even if Rayon gets slightly more, it will be a huge public relations scoop against APR.