Kenya to pay Bayern Munich €5m for Ajax friendly in January

Bayern Munich are reportedly set to receive €5 million for playing Ajax Amsterdam in a friendly match to officially open Kenya’s new Raila Odinga International Stadium on January 5, 2027.

According to reports in the German media, the Bundesliga champions will earn the fee for their appearance at the 60,000-capacity venue in Nairobi, with the fixture expected to attract significant international attention.

The match has been confirmed by both clubs and will mark the official opening of the stadium, which is located along Ngong Road and forms part of Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

Bayern announced their participation, describing the fixture as a special way to begin the new year.

“A special match to kick off the new year: FC Bayern travels to Nairobi on January 5, 2027, and will face Ajax Amsterdam as part of the ceremonial opening of the new national stadium,” the German club said.

Ajax also confirmed the encounter, expressing excitement about being part of the historic occasion.

“We’re proud to announce that we will face FC Bayern in the opening match of the new Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi, Kenya,” the Dutch club stated.

Bayern’s visit is being coordinated by Rouven Kasper, the club’s board member responsible for marketing and sales, as part of efforts to strengthen its international presence and deepen its connection with supporters across Africa.

The German giants enjoy a considerable following on the continent, and the Nairobi fixture will provide their Kenyan supporters with an opportunity to watch the team in action without travelling to Europe.

The reported €5 million payment underlines the commercial scale of the event, although details of the overall financial arrangements, including staging costs and contributions from corporate partners, have yet to be made public.

Kenyan President William Ruto announced the fixture in a recorded address, describing the stadium as an important investment in the country’s sporting future.

He said the event would be delivered through corporate partnerships and a self-sustaining commercial model designed to attract private investment and generate revenue.

According to the President, the facility boasts a hybrid playing surface, 52 skyboxes, video assistant referee (VAR) technology and goal-line technology.

The purpose-built venue is designed to accommodate both football and rugby and is expected to play a central role in Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027.

The government also hopes the stadium will help attract more international sporting events, boost tourism and create commercial opportunities around major competitions.

The choice of Bayern and Ajax adds further significance to the occasion, with the two European clubs having won the UEFA Champions League a combined 10 times.

Tickets for the January 5 encounter are expected to go on sale on November 5 through the stadium’s official ticketing platform.

The opening match will offer Kenya an opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure to a global audience as preparations continue for the 2027 continental tournament.

However, beyond the high-profile fixture and reported financial returns, the longer-term challenge will be ensuring the new stadium becomes a sustainable destination for major international sporting events.