Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) has called out Football Kneya Federation Premier League clubs for the en masse release of players.
The football season in the country is in the transfer period, and clubs are expected to buy and release players in bids to strengthen their squads. However, KEFWA has claimed the number of players being released is too high and it is unprofessional for the clubs to engage in such acts.
“In a disconcerting trend, the Kenyan football industry is witnessing a surge in the simultaneous release of professional players by clubs, resulting in a flooded market of unemployed talent,” KEFWA said in a statement.
“This alarming practice, where clubs release multiple players at once, not only undermines the integrity of the game but also puts the livelihoods of numerous players at risk. These professionals have devoted their lives to the sport and now face uncertainty and joblessness,”
“The notice period allows players to adequately prepare for their transition. They also get a chance to explore alternative opportunities, and mitigate the potential financial and emotional hardships associated with sudden unemployment. We firmly believe that every player deserves fair treatment and the chance to pursue their chosen career without unnecessary hardships.”
Reports indicate Bidco United and Bandari are the two clubs set to shake up their playing units massively. The Thika club is said to have earmarked 16 players that are set for release, while at the Dovkers, 11 are set to be shown the exit door.
Nzoia Sugar, on the other hand, is set to lose the majority of its players that pushed and saw the club end in position four in the 2022–23 season.
