UNHEALTHY TREND

KEFWA worried of surge in player contract termination

The statement comes a day after Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) side Bandari parted ways with 11 players.

In Summary

• These professionals have devoted their lives to the sport and now face uncertainty and joblessness- KEFWA.

•  KEFWA called upon clubs in all the league tiers to strictly adhere to the FKF/Fifa guidelines during transfer windows which includes providing a 30-day notice prior to terminating a player's contract.

Vihiga Queens forward Terry Engesha receives the KWPL Player of the Year award from a KEFWA official in December 2019.
Vihiga Queens forward Terry Engesha receives the KWPL Player of the Year award from a KEFWA official in December 2019.
Image: /FILE

Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) says it is concerned with the number of footballers being released by Premier League clubs due to contract termination.

KEFWA says terminating contracts of players poses a threat to the integrity of the game and puts livelihoods of numerous players at risk.

The statement comes a day after Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) side Bandari parted ways with 11 players.

“In a disconcerting trend, the Kenyan football industry is witnessing a surge in the simultaneous release of professional players by clubs, resulting in a flooded market of unemployed talent," KEFWA said in a statement.

"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," the statement continued.

KEFWA called upon clubs in all the league tiers to strictly adhere to the FKF/Fifa guidelines during transfer windows which includes providing a 30-day notice prior to terminating a player's contract.

“The notice period allows players to adequately prepare for their transition. They also get a chance to explore alternative opportunities, and mitigate potential financial and emotional hardships associated with sudden unemployment,” KEFWA pointed out.

The association further said it will defend any of the affected players should they take legal action over unfair termination of their contracts.

“We firmly believe that every player deserves fair treatment and the chance to pursue their chosen career without unnecessary hardships."