FKF adopts new payment system to tax players
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has adopted a new payment and taxation system of paying football players that will see them pay tax, FKF president Nick Mwendwa has said.
The national team Harambee Stars’ players will now have to wait for a few more days before receiving their allowances.
The new move comes barely a day after a few players and members of technical bench complained about delay of their allowances for the two-legged AFCON qualifying matches against Guinea Bissau.
“We are yet to receive our allowances for two weeks. We were to be paid after the first leg, but it was postponed. We are now waiting for communication from FKF,” said a player who sought anonymity.
Asked why the players had not been paid, FKF president Mwendwa said the delay has been occasioned by the adoption of the new payment system as directed by the Government, which will see players pay tax.
“Unlike the previous years where players counter-signed on receiving the money, things have changed and we have already explained to the players,” said Mwendwa.
“We have adopted a new payment system whereby a camp report must be taken to the Ministry of Sports before the money is remitted into the players’ account. This is a new system that must be followed. It has already worked with the ladies and will apply also on the men’s team. This monies will now go directly into their accounts. And as per the Government’s directive, all players’ allowances and salaries will from now henceforth be taxed. So, let them be patient, they will get their allowances.” He added.
Mwendwa further revealed he gave the players a personal donation of a half a million prior to the return leg to motivate them.
“Before we hosted Guinea, I had given them a personal donation of Ksh. 500,000 for their commitment and dedication. It was just a motivation kitty and it had nothing to do with their allowances,” revealed Mwendwa.
Harambee Stars have in the past had problems with their pay.
