Clubs outside FKF Leagues to lose on transfer fees

AFC Leopards Bernard Bunyasi(R) and head the ball against Denis Wafula of Ushuru battle for the ball during their KPL at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 17/04/16.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Football clubs taking part in unsanctioned leagues or tournaments in Kenya will not be entitled to player development fee or transfer fee from domestic player transfer or international transfer.

The punitive move announced by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on Monday appears intended to curb the proliferation of semi-elite leagues outside Kenya FA's football pyramid.

The resolution's FKF say were passed by its National Executive Committee sitting on Friday.

"Teams that have participated in unsanctioned matches from 10th February 2016 shall not be entitled to development or transfer fee from domestic player transfer or international transfer," FKF's resolutions read in part.

In addition, FKF now say that a player who has played in unauthorized competition or match from 10th February 2016 shall only be eligible to play in FKF affiliated competitions once the FKF's Leagues and Competitions Committee decides on his/her fate within 30 days after lodging an application.

"In light of FKF being able to prove that a club is not an affiliated member, then the clubs share of solidarity and player development fee compensation shall be paid to the FA and used for youth development," continued the resolution.

The meeting also agreed that FKF creates a 'Player Passport' to aid in tracking of players, with preference being given to FKF affiliate clubs.

"FKF will create a player passport for all players from all affiliated clubs. The document, which will contain information about all the clubs a player has played for since the age of 12, will assist clubs in tracing the sporting history of the player," FKF said.

The statement added: “Against that backdrop we shall therefore not indicate any unaffiliated teams/clubs in the player passport and as such those clubs will not be liable to compensation, if any. As per the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, Articles 20 and 21, and Annexes 4 and 5."

FKF said that unsanctioned football matches are those matches/tournament/leagues which are neither organised, nor sanctioned by the FKF.

Leagues/Tournaments played below the national division one are sanctioned through FKF's affiliate Branches and ultimately through the FKF national office.

FKF advised clubs to confirm the status of would be signings through their Branch Secretaries to avoid being penalised.