The Football Kenya Federation’s First Instance Body (FIB) – an independent decision-making body set up by all CAF’s member associations – has ordered Tusker FC to pay USD 16,100 for not submitting the contract of its head coach as per an agreement with the licensing body.

Equally, FC Talanta has paid a fine of USD 3,300 which was a penalty for the non-fulfilment of the criterion that required presenting a Women’s team as stipulated in the issued National Club Licensing regulations. The Club was given a license but penalized USD 3,000 for the infraction and given a grace period of three (3) months to complete the formation of both the Youth Team and Women’s Team. The club paid the fine in addition to USD 300 for failing to adhere to the stipulated timelines by a total of three days.

In the case of Tusker, the club informed the First Instant Body (FIB) through the Club Licensing Manager (CLM) that it was in the final stages of contract negotiations with some of the technical staff but committed to submit the Contracts on or before the 23rd of August 2023. It is on the said commitment that the FIB issued a license to Tusker FC to compete in the FKF PL 2023/24 season.

In a bid to partially comply, on the 4th of September 2023, the Club submitted all the contracts save for the Head Coach’s. Despite several reminders from the Club Licensing Manager to submit the Contracts, the Club has failed to comply and/or give an explanation as to why the said Contract has not been submitted. It should be noted that the Head Coach’s Contract is a mandatory requirement pursuant to Article 41 of CAF Club Licensing Regulations.

Pursuant to Article 14 (a) and (b) of the CAF Club Licensing Regulations, the FIB has sanctioned the Club to pay a daily charge of USD 100 according to the FKF PL catalogue of sanctions (attached) for every day for late submission of the said Contract as from the 23rd August, 2023 when the Club committed to submit the same.

All 18 clubs that qualified for the 2023/24 FKF PL based on sporting merit were granted a license to participate in the league. All Premier League men’s and women’s clubs must make requisite applications each season and undergo mandatory spot checks during the season to ensure adherence.

In the build-up to the upcoming season, The First Instance Body has requested the Club licensing management to conduct spot checks to ascertain that the clubs adhere to the National Club

Licensing regulations. Article 16 of the CAF Club Licensing Regulations mandate the licensor to continuously monitor the adherence of regulations and take measures including revoking a club’s license, should they fail to fulfill the set standards.

The Club Licensing process, which is a key element in promoting the professionalization of football all over the world, uses principles-based criteria and sets minimum standards that clubs must satisfy to be licensed and, consequently, be able to participate in FKF and CAF competitions.

Club Licensing is singularly the most viable pathway to ensure professional management and sustainable development of our football. Clubs are the root foundation of our football structure, and a solid governance environment will catalyze positive sporting and economic multiplier effects.

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