As the countdown to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) intensifies, Kenya’s Harambee Stars are not just chasing continental glory; they’re also eyeing a significant financial windfall.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a substantial increase in prize money for the tournament, with the total purse now standing at a record Ksh1.34 billion.
Greener Fields
Even before kicking a ball, each participating team is assured of Ksh25.8 million, the minimum payout for teams that finish bottom of their group.
This is a welcome boost for national federations, especially those investing heavily in local talent development.
Also Read: Benni McCarthy Unveils Decisive Harambee Stars Lineup for CHAN 2024
The stakes rise significantly with each stage of the tournament:
- Ksh38.7 million: For teams finishing third in five-team groups or fourth in four-team groups.
- Ksh58.1 million: For quarterfinalists.
- Ksh77.5 million: For the fourth-placed team.
- Ksh90.4 million: For the third-placed team.
- Ksh155 million: For the runners-up.
- Ksh452.2 million: For the champions.
This marks a 75% increase in the winner’s prize and a 32% rise in the overall prize pool compared to the previous edition.
Unpaid Salaries and Allowances
Harambee Stars and the broader Kenyan football ecosystem are grappling with deep-rooted financial challenges that threaten both performance and operations.
Former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat revealed he is owed Ksh 13.5 million in unpaid salaries, having gone nine months without pay during his tenure.
Firat’s frustrations extended beyond salary delays, as he also criticized FKF for failing to fulfill logistical promises, such as transporting fans to matches.
The FKF is currently grappling with over Ksh 600 million in financial obligations, including:
- Ksh 269.8 million in legal fees.
- Ksh 19 million in pending liabilities from FIFA tribunal cases.
- 21 active lawsuits, including disputes over elections, unpaid legal fees, and contracts.
- A Sh35.7 million debt owed to AFS International GMBH, which has filed a winding-up petition against FKF.
- FIFA has also imposed a Sh5.5 million deduction from FKF’s Forward funds due to late payments to former coach Adel Amrouche
Kenya’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) for CHAN 2024 has received only 10% of its Ksh 1.4 billion budget, raising serious concerns about the country’s ability to meet CAF standards.
The financial strain has severely affected FKF’s ability to run youth and women’s football programs, maintain stadiums and training facilities, and pay allowances and bonuses to players and staff.
What This Means for Harambee Stars
While new head coach Benni McCarthy brings fresh energy and international pedigree, the federation’s history of delayed payments raises concerns about whether his tenure will be financially sustainable.
Players and staff have grown wary of promises from FKF. Delays in allowances, bonuses, and logistical support have historically affected team morale.
This could undermine performance, especially in high-stakes tournaments like CHAN 2024 and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Budget shortfalls mean limited access to quality training camps, friendly matches, and modern facilities.
Without adequate preparation, Harambee Stars risk being outmatched by better-resourced opponents.
The ongoing lawsuits and debt crises have tarnished FKF’s image both locally and internationally.
Also Read: 5 Kenyan Players to Watch at CHAN 2024
This could deter potential sponsors and partners, further shrinking the financial pipeline needed to support the national team.
Historic Opportunity
Kenya, co-hosting the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania, is under pressure to deliver both on and off the pitch.
“This is not just about pride, it’s about investing in our players and giving them a reason to dream big,” Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said.
While the prize money is a major motivator, CHAN 2024 also offers a platform for locally based players to showcase their talent on a continental stage.
Scouts from top African and European clubs are expected to attend, making it a career-defining opportunity for many.
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