Strathmore University hosted the inaugural CAF Club Licensing Seminar for Kenyan professional clubs from 1^st to 2^nd April 2016.

The two-day seminar organised by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in conjunction with the Confederation of African Football (CAF),was attended by all club chairmen from the Kenya Premier League and the Football Kenya Federation Premier League clubs together with invited government officials to share information, expertise and experiences about the FIFA club licensing system. The system aims to improve club football by setting minimum standards in key areas such as good governance and management, stadium safety, fan experience and youth football development. Clubs then need to meet these standards to qualify for certain international competitions.

 

South African club licensing manager Kabelo Bossilong, Ghanaian ex-defender Anthony Baffoe and Tanzanian Football Federation technical director Sunday Kayuni conducted the two-day training. Speaking during the launch ceremony, Anthony Baffoe said: “We are here in Kenya to facilitate the Club Licensing process. We want to help FKF to professionalize and take football to another level. Premier Soccer league Clubs are key pillars of professional football. We will share with the KPL Clubs the best practices and enlighten them on principles enshrined in the Club licensing regulations and how they should be implemented”.

“There is, of course, a lot of work that needs to be done in ensuring that we comply with what FIFA and CAF expects us to do but we have a strong base to build from. We must embrace Club Licensing to ensure that we close the gap between Africa and Europe. It is no coincidence that some of our European counterparts are ahead as well – they have been implementing Club Licensing for years. But I’m confident we will get there.” Said the FKF President Nick Mwendwa

 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Dean of Students, Mr. Paul Ochieng said that “Strathmore has over the years been known to produce strong sports teams and by partnering with FKF and CAF to host the inaugural Club Licensing Seminar in Kenya speaks volumes of our commitment to contribute to the good management of sports. Club licensing has an important role to play in raising professional standards and building stronger clubs, and stronger clubs mean a stronger foundation for Kenyan football that will lead us to future world cups.”

 

Club Licensing Objectives: 

 

* Safeguard the credibility and integrity of club competitions 
* Improve the level of professionalism in football
* Promote sporting values in accordance with the principles of fair play, as well as safe and secure match environments 
* Promote good governance in clubs 
* Promote transparency in the control of clubs
* Prevent ownership or influence over of more than one club

 

Each confederation is responsible for developing and implementing its own club licensing regulations that must at least meet the minimum standards set by FIFA. This system allows CAF, and the other confederations, to apply the rules flexibly, recognising the different circumstances and level of football development in each country. No premier league nor super league team will be allowed to participate in the local nor continental league without having been licensed. The licensing process will start soon.

 

FIFA’s club licensing system has already been adopted by CAF, with 61 African clubs from 26 member associations currently licensed to appear in the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.

 

World football’s governing body is now keen to see the system adopted at national level and is working and consulting with a wide range of football stakeholders as it takes its plans forward.