KPL to increase prize money next season

By Gilbert Wandera

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) has clarified that prize money for the local champions would be increased next season.

KPL Chief Executive Jack Oguda said they could not increase prize money this season as the budgets had been made and could not be changed even when East African Breweries Limited (EABL) came on board as title sponsors.

“Our budgets had already been done and moreover most of the money we received went to clubs as grants.

 “The matter of increasing prize money will be discussed next month during our governing council,” he said.

The KPL pays out Sh3.5million as prize money for the winner of the league and this figure could double next season especially after the injection of a Sh55million sponsorship by EABL.

The winners of the Top 8 receive Sh1 million.

In a related development, the KPL has released tough rules governing the transfer of players during the transfer window, which started on Saturday, and closes at the end of next month.

The KPL announced yesterday that all transfers will be guided by world football governing body Fifa rules and warned that any club which does not follow the same will be banned from registering any new players for a period of two years.

Oguda warned that any club which induces a player to breach his contract, will also face sanctions including those that do not compensate the losing club.

He further asked all clubs intending to sign a new player to inform their current club before entering into negotiations with them.

“A player shall only be free to conclude a contract with another club if his contract with his present club has expired or is due to expire within six months,” he said.

He also reminded clubs to first seek authority of officials of the club’s they want to sign from before starting any negotiations.

 “I urge all KPL chairmen and clubs to adhere to the Fifa rules as they risk serious sanctions by breaking the regulations,” said Oguda.