The organization of Kenya footballers welfare association has appealed to both FKF and KPL to intervene and protect contracted players from pay cuts by various clubs amid covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement sent to media and signed by their secretary general Jerry Santos,shows the various unsuccessful appeals to FKF and KPL since the league was suspended.
“Following the KPL Press Statement dated 7th April 2020 temporarily suspending the current season
owing to the Covid 19 outbreak, on 9th April 2020, we held amicable talks with KPL with a view to
devising a working formula that could cater for the affected players whilst ensuring that their clubs
remained afloat amidst reports that a number of KPL clubs had already embarked on the process of
forced pay cuts.
We followed this up on 14th April 2020 through a letter to KPL respectfully but urgently asking them to
convene a video conference meeting of all the KPL club chairmen amidst reports that a number of KPL
clubs had already embarked on the process of forced pay cuts. We specifically sought and continue to
engage KPL on a temporary and reasonable collective wage cut/deferral agreement.
We detailed a number of proposals to guide the talks whilst reiterating our preference to only engage those clubs whose finances had been manifestly and understandably affected by the pandemic and took the courtesy of briefing FKF on these talks.
We have since 14th April 2020 not heard from KPL but remain optimistic that they will soon revert on this pertinent matter as we strive to develop strategies conducive to preserve the relationship between clubs and players.”, reads the statement.
However, KEFWA has praised Wazito Fc, KCB for standing with their players during these difficult times.”Having said this, we would like to single out a number of clubs such as KCB and Wazito Football Club for having made it public that they will stand by their players during these hard times by continuing to pay their full wages.
We would also like to thank Betika for partnering with FKF to cushion the players during the pandemic. It is our hope and expectation that all the contracted players (and not only the 25 players named by the
respective clubs) will get a fair and equitable share.”,
In addition, KEFWA is concerned with the manner in which Women players have been treated and asks that they should also be considered in the various initiatives meant to cushion players, the most recent being the Betika incentive that gave KPL and NSL players sh.5000 each.
The organization has asked the Federation to trickle part of the FIFA forward fund to support the female players during this period.
“On the contrary, we are deeply saddened by the way our women were overlooked yet this pandemic affects them also if not more than their male counterpart.”
“We hope that part of the FIFA Covid-19 Emergency Support Funds sent to federations across the world and or any other fund will trickle down to all the players including our female members
As we welcome the Government’s support, we recognize the need for football to find long terms solutions that address the plight of both clubs and players. To this end, we endeavor to engage FKF on
the establishment of an FKF-KEFWA player protection fund as a first step towards this noble goal.”
