Football giants Gor, Leopards risk relegation over Caf licensing rules
Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are facing disqualification from the Kenyan Premier League for failing to conform to club licensing rules.
These stringent rules have been enforced by the Confederation of African Football and are applicable to all member clubs competing in the continental competitions.
The rules have been domesticated by all CAF affiliates. They require clubs participating in both the Kenyan Premier League and National Super League to embrace a professional outlook.
“If a team is participating in the Kenyan Premier League today and you don’t have the licence by December 31, you will automatically be relegated to the National Super League,” FKF president Nick Mwendwa said on Thursday.
DEMOTED
Mwendwa added: “And that’s not all. Clubs in the NSL are also required to apply for licences, else they will be demoted to the second division.”
By Wednesday, only three clubs in Kenya, namely Tusker FC, Ulinzi Stars and Wazito FC, had been handed licences by FKF.
The compliance enabled both Tusker and Ulinzi to also receive clearance to compete in the CAF Africa Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup next year.
Other premier league clubs including AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia, Chemelil Sugar, Kakamega Homeboyz, Sony Sugar, as well as super league clubs Thika United, KCB, Nakumatt, Karibangi Sharks and Palos FC are in the process of applying for the licence.
“We are in support of these rules which were passed at the AGM last August. Clubs need to be professional in their outlook,” KPL chief executive Jack Oguda commented.
Nairobi News has been reliably informed that both Leopards and Gor Mahia are yet to fully appoint a chief executive officer and media liason, a requirement stipulated in criteria “A” of the club licensing rules.
SUBMIT BUDGETS
The two clubs are also said to be struggling to submit their budgets and guarantees for the 2017 league season, financial books for the 2016 season, alongside contracts with club sponsors.
“We are working round the clock to meet at least the minimum requirements because it is for our own good. I expect us to be cleared very soon,” Leopards secretary Oscar Igaida confirmed
A majority of clubs are also said to be struggling to submit leases for their venue of matches and training grounds.
