Judul : UPL Reforms: Did Uganda Get It Right?
link : UPL Reforms: Did Uganda Get It Right?
UPL Reforms: Did Uganda Get It Right?
Key Information:
- Fortunately, Fufa gave up and remained with the old format, but should we have gotten into that mess in the first place?
The last few months will be remembered as a period of chaos in Ugandan football. Recently, local football has experienced a wild journey, ranging from co-hosting CHAN 2024 to the introduction of a new Uganda Premier League (UPL) structure just weeks before the start of the season.
Professionalism, competitiveness, and the prevention of match-fixing were key factors that Fufa mentioned when advocating for a new league structure. Although there have been several challenges in local football, Fufa's perspective indicated that implementing a new league format was a viable option.
Nevertheless, the local football authority encountered strong resistance from various parties, such as supporters, football investors, particularly Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, the chairman of Vipers Sports Club, and journalists who posed challenging questions with little satisfactory responses. Sponsors and certain federation members also did not agree that it was the correct path. Recent events indicate that the UPL, as a unified body, is unable to enforce its own decisions. Football federations globally are supposed to direct and monitor the leagues, but they cannot control what occurs, as numerous stakeholders are involved in the process.
The new format featured appealing rewards and cash prizes, yet one might question why this wasn't the case with the previous format, or why funding wasn't provided to clubs to enhance their individual brands if the main goal was to expand fanbases and commercial success. Hosting CHAN was meant to be a milestone for local football, but it now seems as though we've moved forward only to take two steps back. Around the world, fans are the foundation of their football clubs. They embody their identity and protect it with great respect and honor. This is why sponsors tend to align with clubs that have large fan bases, as it makes financial sense in terms of return on investment.
Why participate in a double header during league football when such a format is only feasible within a tournament structure like pre-season competitions? Why are we experimenting with a serious competition that is the UPL? These are some of the questions we need to consider. Fortunately, Fufa has abandoned the idea and returned to the traditional format, but should we have ever gotten involved in this situation in the first place? I don't think so, especially given the limited time available before the league starts. This underlines the importance of involving stakeholders, particularly fans who support the product, because without them, the commercial side cannot survive.
It's understandable that we may not compare ourselves to the world's largest football leagues, which are closely followed by local fans due to various reasons, but why not learn from our own impressive African leagues? Implement exchange programs for administrative and technical staff, as well as fan engagement activities in public areas. If we address the most critical issues within local football, altering the league format would be a minor concern.
Football clubs continue to need significant marketing efforts to draw in supporters, keeping track of data such as team memorabilia, video clips, and player stats. Transforming parastatal football clubs into community-based ones can lead to public ownership and help attract a broader local fanbase. Increasing wages for players and staff, building more stadiums, establishing various departments within different football clubs, employing the most suitable and qualified individuals, and adopting the latest advancements from other developed football leagues are some of the steps involved. To attain the professionalism we often discuss, we must establish a supportive environment.
The writer, Lewis Ainebyoona, holds a degree in football studies from Solent University in Southampton and works as a community coach.
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