Bayern vs Ajax Match Faces Legal Challenge as Kenyans Move to Court Over Reported Cost

The planned friendly match between German football giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side AFC Ajax has encountered its first major challenge after six petitioners moved to court seeking to stop the government from spending public money on the event.

The petition was filed at the High Court on Monday, November 2, ahead of the highly anticipated January 5, 2027 fixture at Raila Odinga International Stadium.

The petitioners want the court to prevent the government and other relevant authorities from approving, allocating or releasing public funds towards organising the match.

They argue that Kenyans deserve to know how much money will be used to bring the two European clubs to the country, especially amid concerns over the reported cost of hosting the teams.

In their court papers, the six petitioners questioned reports indicating that organising the match could cost approximately KSh724.6 million (€5 million).

They are also demanding that the government disclose sponsorship agreements, contracts and the identities of companies financing the event.

Additionally, they want a detailed breakdown of expenses, including players’ appearance fees, accommodation, travel, security and other arrangements.

The legal move comes shortly after Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi dismissed claims that taxpayers would finance the event.

He maintained that the government had secured a private sponsor to support the arrangement.

However, he did not disclose the total amount required to host the two clubs or reveal the sponsor’s identity, leaving questions about the financial arrangements surrounding the fixture.

President William Ruto had earlier announced that Bayern Munich and Ajax would play at the newly constructed stadium as Kenya prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

PS Mwangi also clarified that the visiting teams would feature their senior players, dismissing speculation that only legends, junior or reserve squads would travel to Nairobi.

The court petition now puts the much-publicised football event under fresh scrutiny as Kenyans await further developments.

https://x.com/Kenyans/status/2117323354478940186?a=B-kAXxnHWWPPogG8gls&s=19

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