Africa

World Sports Bodies raise Concern Over Kenya Copyright Bill

Published

4 years ago

February 15, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Kenya’s 2019 Copyright Amendment Bill, incorporates principles from the WIPO Internet Treaties of 1996, aimed at preventing unauthorised access to and use of creative works

A coalition of global sports bodies has written an open letter to the Kenyan government, expressing concern about the Copyright Amendment Bill currently before parliament, and its potential impact on the availability of international sports content in Kenya.

The Sports Rights Owner Coalition (SROC) is an alliance of more than 50 international and national sport bodies, representing some of the world’s leading sport codes and competitions – including the English Premier League, the FA Cup, Wimbledon, MotoGP, and the Rugby World Cup.

In the recent letter, signed by Chairman Mark Lichtenstein, the SROC says its members are “extremely concerned” at changes that will be made to Kenya’s Copyright Act if the Copyright Amendment Bill becomes law.

The SROC is particularly worried about proposals to repeal sections 35B, 35C and 35D of the Copyright Act, which allow for take-down notices issued to internet-based service provider platforms which enable content piracy to flourish.

A take-down notice is a widely used remedy employed by copyright owners worldwide, compelling online platforms to rapidly remove content from their websites if it is suspected that the content infringes copyright.

The Kenya Copyright Board (KeCOBO) champion of the Partners Against Piracy (PAP) initiative, has come out in support of the SROC letter.

“Take-down notices are a critical tool for copyright holders and related rights holders to fight digital content piracy by controlling the distribution and economic viability of their work and how it is accessed online,” says Edward Sigei, KeCOBO Executive Director.

“Across the world, they help to safeguard the intellectual property rights of sports rights owners. If rights owners cannot request that pirated sports content is taken down immediately, that will threaten the future of live sports broadcasts in Kenya. Why would international sports media allow sports broadcasts in Kenya, if they have no way of stopping them from being pirated!”

Kenya’s 2019 Copyright Amendment Bill, incorporates principles from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Internet Treaties of 1996, aimed at preventing unauthorised access to and use of creative works. Takedown notices are among these principles and are necessary tools to enforce copyright protections for rights owners and distributors.

If the Amendment Bill is passed into law, Kenya will be out of step with global trends, the average Kenyan will lose out on great sports entertainment. A further negative consequence of this Amendment Bill passing would be the reputational and economic investment quagmire it would create is jeopardising Kenya’s ability to renew participation in the Africa Growth and Opportunity Agreement (AGOA) program, as one of the additional provisions of renewal requires a demonstrated commitment to copyright protection as a prerequisite to signing. Repealing section 35 of the Copyright Act, would do the exact opposite and threaten investor confidence.

The SROC points out that in Europe, policy makers are strengthening not weakening the effectiveness of take-down notices, particularly regarding live content. New proposals to protect live content more effectively in Europe are expected in the first half of 2022.

“Were the Copyright Amendment Bill to be enacted, it could have devastating consequences for both the Kenyan economy and Kenyan consumers,” says the SROC letter. “Rights holders from sport and other creative industries are extremely unlikely to license their content in a jurisdiction that effectively legitimises piracy. Consumers would therefore be deprived from watching their favourite sports and television shows, and leave Kenya isolated on the global copyright stage.”

The coalition – which includes the English FA, UEFA, the IAAF, and the International Tennis Federation – goes on to ask that the proposed new law be urgently reconsidered “so as not to harm Kenyan consumers and threaten the availability of sports and entertainment content in Kenya.”

Africa

LEON Celebrates One Year in Tanzania by Announcing Partnership with Brand Ambassador Simon Msuva

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

Reading Time: < 1 minute

LEON, an international sports betting and casino brand, proudly announces the signing of Tanzanian football star Simon Msuva as its official brand ambassador in Tanzania. The partnership marks a milestone as LEON celebrates its first anniversary of operations in the country.

Simon Msuva, one of Tanzania’s most recognized players, has represented the national team for more than a decade. Known for his speed, technical skills, and consistency, he has earned over 70 international caps and remains a key striker for the Taifa Stars, celebrated by fans both at home and abroad

As part of the partnership, Simon Msuva will be the face of LEON national campaigns — from fan meet-and-greets and press conferences to autograph sessions and sporting events. His charisma and energy embody the spirit of the brand: just as a lion rules the jungle, LEON has claimed its place in the world of betting. Through these campaigns, the brand and the player connect with fans on the same wavelength, sharing anticipation, the joy of victory, and pride.

Jerome Dufourg, Regional Director of Operations at LEON, added:

“Tanzania was our first African project, where we learned to adapt to the local context. After major marketing campaigns to build brand awareness, we’re now focusing on our sportsbook with the signing of the Tanzanian national team captain. His dedication and humility reflect our vision at Leonbet Tanzania, in a country preparing for AFCON 2027 and competing in this year’s tournament.”

This collaboration reinforces LEON commitment to supporting sports culture in Tanzania and strengthening its bond with local communities through football.

The post LEON Celebrates One Year in Tanzania by Announcing Partnership with Brand Ambassador Simon Msuva appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Africa

SportPesa Goes Pink for 2025 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Published

6 days ago

October 6, 2025

Niji Narayan

sportpesa-goes-pink-for-2025-october-breast-cancer-awareness-month

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Leading online gaming firm SportPesa will reaffirm its commitment to social impact by taking part in the 2025 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) campaign.

Throughout the month, the gaming company will run a special campaign dubbed SportPesa In Pink aimed at raising awareness, celebrating the resilience of those fighting cancer and promoting early detection across all its markets in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man.

The campaign will see SportPesa integrate the colour pink across its digital platforms, events and partner activations while employees, stakeholders and associates will adorn pink during their various activities, symbolising solidarity with breast cancer warriors and their families.

Being the main sponsor of football giants Gor Mahia, Shabana, Murang’a Seal and the Kenya 7s rugby team as well as Kenya Cup side Nondescripts RFC, SportPesa will collaborate with the teams to spread awareness to fans all across the country through various channels.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked every October, unites people worldwide in the mission to increase awareness and reduce the stigma around breast cancer through education, support and fundraising.

SportPesa’s involvement underscores how corporate organisations can leverage their influence to drive meaningful social change.

The post SportPesa Goes Pink for 2025 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Africa

Playbook Football™ lands in Nigeria and UK with LiveScore Bet

Published

1 week ago

October 2, 2025

George Miller

playbook-football-lands-in-nigeria-and-uk-with-livescore-bet

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Players can go for goal with innovative real money virtual football management game

Playbook Fusion, the innovative supplier that is revolutionising the online betting industry by combining the worlds of sports betting and video gaming, has taken its flagship Playbook Football title to the Nigerian market through a breakthrough deal with LiveScore Bet.

Players on LiveScore Bet will be the first in Nigeria to experience Playbook Football, a unique, real money, virtual football management betting game where players build their own teams, place bets, receive in-game rewards, climb divisions and compete on leaderboards.

Playbook Football is delivered via Playbook Fusion’s proprietary RGS platform in collaboration with the provider’s exclusive distribution partner, Games Global.

The announcement comes simultaneously with the UK launch of Playbook Football with LiveScore Bet and Virgin Bet in the UK.

Steve Rogers, Founder and CEO at Playbook Fusion, said: “Playbook Football offers a unique betting and entertainment experience, designed to draw players into the game as they build and develop their teams, place bets, earn rewards, improve their skill and progress through divisions.

“We are delighted to see it become available to LiveScore Bet’s players in Nigeria. This is a country that is mad about football, and the mobile-first nature of the game makes it easily accessible to players.

“This is an important deal for Playbook Fusion as it marks our arrival in the African market, and we look forward to working closely with LiveScore Bet to ensure the success of Playbook Football in this new territory”

James Connelley, Director, LiveScore Bet Nigeria, said: “The sports betting space has long been ready for a revolutionary product to come along and change the game, and we believe that Playbook Football is that product.

“The game offers a truly unique experience that will resonate strongly with our extensive player base in Nigeria.

“It’s partnerships such as this that have allowed us to establish LiveScore Bet as a leading online sportsbook in the market, and we are genuinely thrilled to be the first to bring Playbook Football to football fans and bettors in the country.”

The post Playbook Football™ lands in Nigeria and UK with LiveScore Bet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.