The Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA), a Union whose mandate is to protect the rights and welfare of professional football players, has expressed deep concerns over the rising cases of disregard for contractual obligations by football clubs, warning that the trend poses a threat to the well-being of their members and development of the game.
In a press statement released to the media on Thursday, 11th January, KEFWA stated that it was wary of a disconcerting trend in the Kenyan football industry where there has been a surge in the simultaneous release of professional players by clubs during the January transfer window, resulting in a flooded market of unemployed talent.
“This alarming practice where clubs release multiple players at once not only undermines the integrity of the game but also puts the livelihoods of numerous players at risk. These professionals have devoted their lives to the sport and now face uncertainty and joblessness”, stated KEFWA president James Situma.
According to the retired stalwart who boasts of a decorated football career spanning over 17 years, the union will be readily available to give legal representation against clubs who dishonorably get rid of their players without following the stipulated regulations.
“KEFWA is fully committed to addressing this pressing issue. We firmly believe that every player deserves fair treatment and the chance to pursue their chosen career without unnecessary hardships. We stand ready to represent and advocate for affected players, while we urge all clubs within our local leagues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and comply with the stipulated guidelines set forth by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and FIFA regarding contractual obligations”, added Situma.
PRESS STATEMENT: KEFWA URGES CLUBS TO RESPECT PLAYER'S CONTRACTS DURING THE TRANSFER WINDOW pic.twitter.com/OPSnl4omG5
— KEFWA (@kefwaofficial) January 11, 2024
Officially opened on the midnight of Monday 8th, the January transfer window will go on for one month, allowing local clubs to harness their squads. However, with many of the teams facing struggles, the majority of the professional players are facing daunting financial challenges, including delayed salaries and arrears.
KEFWA has since urged their members to ensure they possess copies of their contracts when they sign for a club, with this being a crucial step towards safeguarding and providing protection in case of unlawful termination or contractual disputes.
Additionally, footballers have been urged to avoid falling into legal tussles with their employers by handling transfer offers professionally, including notifying the club’s management when they get other opportunities thus ensuring transparency and adherence to proper procedures.
On the other hand, the union has called upon clubs participating in local leagues, including the Kenya Premier League (KPL), Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL), National Super League (NSL) and Division One, to strictly adhere to the FKF/FIFA guidelines during transfer windows.
