Report: All FKFPL clubs league licenses, FC Talanta sanctioned

Football Kenya Federation’s First Instance Body (FIB) – an independent decision making body set up by all CAF’s member associations – on Friday 25 August granted licenses to all 18 FKF Premier League clubs to participate in the 2023/24 FKF Premier League.

The development, released by FKF, brings to a conclusion the league’s Club Licensing process, which required individual teams adhering to the National Club Licensing regulations set to promote and improve the quality and the level of all football aspects.

In the detailed report however, one club - Talanta FC - despite being handed a license, was sanctioned USD 3000 (Ksh.435,000) by FIB for failure to present a Women’s Team; one of the requirements clubs ought to have adhered to in regards to being handed licenses before next season’s league participation.

Background.

All 18 FKF Premier League clubs were required to apply for their licenses through the CAF Club Licensing Online Platform (CLOP) by the August 12, 2023, deadline. This was the first time that the online platform was utilized.

Prior to the Licensing Period, club officials participated in a sensitization workshop that provided an opportunity to provide feedback on the localized club licensing regulations which were nuanced to the current operating conditions.

As an upshot of the club’s participation, several proposed regulations were reviewed and changed.

The clubs were evaluated on five criteria pillars including; sporting, infrastructure, legal, personnel and administration and financial.

Under each criterion, the grading was listed as either mandatory, obligatory, and best practice.

Firat rules out possibility of calling new players for September friendly matches

Findings.

On the sporting criterion, all clubs indicated the existence of youth teams between ages 15-21 and 10-14 years, with others having formed partnerships with local schools

One club had a sponsorship package that included the payment of school fees for up to 50 students in addition to providing equipment and coaching staff.

Seventeen teams presented women’s teams which were acquired, partnered, or had been formed, with exception of the aforementioned Talanta FC - ultimately landing a sanction given the specific criterion was obligatory.

Lionesses step up preparations for upcoming ICC Division 2 qualifiers

In addition, all teams had medical insurance schemes covering their players. 10 clubs opted for NHIF covers with the other eight utilizing private insurance companies’ packages.

On infrastructure, Six clubs listed to be owners of their own stadia or had long-term leases on stadia facilities.

Three clubs had agreements with county governments while Seven clubs named Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium as their home grounds and had agreements with Sports Kenya to use their facilities.

The remaining two opted to share grounds with clubs that already owned their own facilities.

On Personnel and administration Criterion, Eight clubs declared to have contracted highly qualified head coaches with CAF A and UEFA A and B certifications.

Fifteen clubs had ongoing contracts whilst three were still negotiating with their clubs.

On legal, two clubs were registered as limited companies with the remaining clubs registered under the Sports Act or as societies.

FKF Reviews Structure of 2023/24 Women Leagues

On the finance criterion, fifteen clubs had their own accounts whilst three had accounts registered under the names of sponsors.

Four clubs had overdue payables to employees, other clubs on transfer activities, and the federation.

The said clubs however, have active agreements to settle the amounts within a stated period or have pending cases awaiting determination.

With the green flag waved, all teams will therefore be active when the 2023-2024 season begins on Saturday 26 August.

FIXTURES.

SATURDAY 26 AUGUST.

Bandari vs Tusker

Nzoia Sugar vs Ulinzi Stars

Gor Mahia vs Sofapaka

Kariobangi Sharks vs Police FC

SUNDAY 27 AUGUST.

Posta Rangers vs Bidco United

AFC Leopards vs Talanta

City Stars vs Muhoroni Youth

Shabana vs Murang’a Seal.