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Everton sponsors SportPesa have denied that they are shutting down amid a dispute with the Kenyan government.

The Betting Control and Licensing Board, which is responsible for regulating betting in the east African country, reportedly ordered for the shut down the of paybills and shortcodes of 27 betting companies last week - including Sportpesa.

And the betting company have now moved to social media to issue a statement which strongly refutes any claims that they will be closing down in the aftermath of this dispute.

SportPesa said: "SportPesa wishes to refute claims that our business is closing down. We are in discussions with the government and relevant stakeholders and are positive that we will be back to full operation soon.

SportPesa wishes to refute claims that our business is closing down. We are in discussions with the government and relevant stakeholders and are positive that we will be back to full operation soon. Note that any update regarding our business is communicated through our channels. — SportPesa (@SportPesa) July 18, 2019

"Note that any update regarding our business is communicated through our channels."

This is the latest in a series of social media posts and statements from Everton's sponsors in recent days regarding the dispute.

On Friday 12 July, the betting company released a statement following the action by the Betting Control and Licensing Board making clear their disappointment over the decision.

The statement added: "This is the latest in a series of abrupt measures by the BCLB that only serve to discourage and disrupt business.

"SportPesa has been fully compliant with all tax and legal requirements in Kenya. Our business has uniquely and consistently boosted sports development in the country and we have not minced our support in community investment.

"We wish to assure our customers and stakeholders that we are challenging these actions and remain in contact with key stakeholders with the aim of resolving this matter very soon."

And, on Tuesday, SportPesa shared a graphic on Twitter which denied any claims that underage users were on their platform.

Official Statement



SportPesa does not have any underage players on our platform neither do we own any betting shops. pic.twitter.com/vHvBijFnNw — SportPesa (@SportPesa) July 16, 2019

SportPesa moved their European headquarters to the Liver Building at the end of 2017.