FKF rules no development pay to Super 8 clubs

In a move that is seen as a direct hit on the teams playing in the SportPesa Super 8 league, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has declared non payment of development fees to these teams in case of player transfers to the more established leagues.

In a statement sent to the media, FKF say “we wish to take this earliest of opportunities to state that Clubs that participate in unsanctioned leagues or tournaments will not be entitled to player development fee or transfer fee from domestic player transfer or international transfer.”

This means that if a player is scouted in the Super 8 leagues and tournament and he moves to a club in the Sportpesa Premier League or abroad, his parent club in the Super 8 will not earn a dime.

For the players, it gets trickier because they will have to be vetted first before they can be allowed to play any leagues of FKF in case of a transfer.

“In addition, 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.”

The decisions were reached by the FKF National Executive Council that met on Friday 6th of May 2016.

“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,” read the resolution in part.

“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 statement is likely to be met by opposition from the Super 8 organizers who say their leagues are out to develop teams and players. There has been a cold war between the federation and the Super 8 leagues, the official position being that the parties “are in discussion” to see how best to work with each other.

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